Safety and Security Committee Minutes
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, 1pm, Room 2205
Members Present
Lucy Carter, Chair Chief Dove David Lightfoot
Tom Bushley Jason Ferguson Mike Fein
Lana Velez John Poole Cat Mobley
Agenda Items Discussed
Updates on Safety and Security Enhancements
Chief Dove provided an update on enhancements related to safety and security, which include:
Equipment
- New vehicle and new uniforms for campus police. Both of which increase visibility and professional image to the public and law enforcement peers.
- Protective vests for officers (expected to arrive the 1st week of December—obtained through a grant)
- Traffic vests for staff (move visible while working around the roads) purchased by Facilities at the request of Chief Dove. These will be shared between Facilities and Police/Security Officers.
Staffing
- The Department had two part time sworn Police Officer and one Campus Security Officer position open due to attrition. The three positions were eliminated and one fulltime position was allocated. Officer Rick Gilliland was hired for the fulltime position.
- Work study acting as dispatcher during some of the evening hours (allows officers more mobility/visibility)
- Traffic refresher training will be taken by Officers. This will assist with ensuring officers who may not have performed traffic stops lately conduct them in a safe manner.
Identification on Exterior Doors
Campus police and Facilities staff is in the process of deciding on the labeling for identification on exterior doors. Chief Dove stated that this identification would assist emergency response personnel and should be reflective and visible from at least 30 feet away. Tom Bushley mentioned samples of the lettering (one inch and three inch) that Facilities had provided. He stated that the larger lettering was not aesthetically pleasing due to the bulk of the signs. Chief Dove noted that the feedback he had received from personnel including the departmental work study revealed the one inch lettering was not large enough. John Poole recommended developing both two inch and three inch reflective lettering—perhaps with a different font—and test those sizes for visibility and appearance.
Emergency Preparedness State Assessment—Telework Agreement
Lucy Carter stated that the State Assessment report due to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management on Oct. 31 had been completed and submitted. Several individuals who are considered essential employees still need to complete their NIMS (National Incident Management) training. Another gap in emergency preparedness is the form of making employees aware of the College’s Continuity Plan. We suggest a standard briefing on continuity planning for new employees. Additional telework agreements need to be completed. The committee discussed the potential need for employee training for the use of technology in the case of a large scale disaster where the main campus or portions of it are not inhabitable. Since departmental requirements vary, each will have to identify the training they need.
CVCC Threat Assessment Team—Stand-Alone Committee
Chief Dove explained that currently CVCC’s Threat Assessment Team, which is required by state law, is also the school’s CARE Team. These two groups, however, have different priorities. Chief Dove said the CARE team is more geared toward providing current students with assistance. Threat Assessment Teams should be focused on evaluating threats or potential threats to the campus. He proposed that the committee vote to make the Threat Assessment Team a stand-alone committee; in doing so, the two separate groups can pursue their different missions. The committee unanimously agreed to make this change. Lucy Carter will complete the recommendation form to be sent to the Governance Council.
FEMA Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Higher Ed Course
Lucy Carter stated that CVCC will be hosting FEMA’s Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Higher Ed course January 28 through 30, 2014. This training course will involve participants from area colleges and agencies (such as Lynchburg Police Department). CVCC applied for this program, which is free to attendees. CVCC is one of the 33 applicants approved for 2014 and the only applicant in Virginia selected to host this training.
Update—Emergency Notification Project and Video Surveillance Project
David Lightfoot reported that the seven emergency phones are operational. He is in contact with vendors and researching purchasing options for a wireless system that would include the video cameras in the parking areas. An unwelcome surprise arrived in the form of denial for use of borrowed funds for installation of the infrastructure required to operate the cameras and emergency phones. Other options will be researched.
Update—Classroom Locks
Tom Bushley reported that the only classrooms that cannot be locked from the inside are on the second floor of Bedford. He is in the process of researching purchasing options. John Poole directed Tom Bushley to pursue the change in locks on the doors with the exception of those rooms used by CRAE.
Update—Student Center Renovations
Tom Bushley stated that renovations to the Student Center are moving forward on schedule.
Update—Safety and Security Committee Mission/Goals/Objectives
Lucy Carter will send committee members another copy of the current mission/goals/objectives to discuss later in terms of any necessary revisions.
The meeting adjourned at 1:50pm