Press Release
Date: October 28, 2008
Subject: Recent Shooting at University of Central Arkansas
From: Nate Johnson, Chief of Police and Senior Director for Police and Parking Services
Tyson Hill, Director of Emergency Services and Disaster Planning
On October 26, 2008, four subjects entered Arkansas Hall on the UCA campus and fatally wounded two people at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). Our prayers are with the UCA community and the families of those directly involved.
During a CNN newscast this morning the UCA president spoke on the need for emergency response training and reassured the community that measures will be taken to ensure the safety of the campus community. Sonoma State University Police and Parking Services would like to take a moment to remind the community of the various approaches and initiatives that have occurred to ensure your safety.
Over the past few years Sonoma State University’s Emergency Management Program has been concentrating on updating Emergency Plans and Procedures while also implementing a comprehensive training program for the campus community. Students, faculty and staff have been participating in a multitude of emergency training sessions. This training includes, but not limited to the following:
- Active Shooter Presentations — Presentations include an in-person or video presentation on active shooter responses. To view the video and receive training on this topic, please call (707) 664-2143. This training will continue to be available throughout campus.
- Active Shooter Drills and Disaster Exercises — Last spring, the University successfully conducted an active shooter exercise. Police Services and local law enforcement, as well as faculty, staff and students, participated in a mock active shooter critical incident. The Emergency Operations Center was activated as part of this drill so that emergency procedures and the Incident Command System (ICS) could be tested. The ICS is a system commonly used to manage resources during disasters or major emergencies.
- The Building Marshal Program — Team leaders in various work areas receive special training in emergency/disaster preparedness. Marshals serve as leaders during evacuations, fire alarms and other emergencies.
- New Faculty and Staff Orientation Training — During new employee orientation, all new employees receive training on emergency planning and response procedures and learn about their role as disaster workers.
- Department and Classroom Emergency Training — Members of the Emergency Services Team conducts numerous training sessions on workplace safety and related topics at department staff meetings and for classes on campus.
- All identified first responders (Emergency Operations Team) are trained in the new National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Standard Emergency Management System (SEMS) training as mandated by federal and state agencies, respectfully.
- The University is currently preparing to launch a new mass alert notification system. The new system will notify members of the University community during major emergencies. Notifications will include necessary information, including the nature of the emergency and instructions for community members.
Police Services encourages all members of our community to think ahead and plan for a "what would you do" scenario. Review the campus emergency plan and procedures. Make a home plan using resources and supplies on hand.
To report emergencies, please notify Police Services by calling 911 or call the business line (non-emergencies) at (707) 664-2143. SSU now captures most mobile phone calls made from campus.
Sonoma State University is one of the safest campuses in the CSU. Our sworn police officers are well trained to handle virtually any emergency. Emergency training can be scheduled by contacting Mr. Tyson Hill, Director of Emergency Services and Disaster Planning.
Please visit our web site for additional information, bulletins, and the complete employee contact list. Thank you.