Countering Violent Extremism: Separating Free Speech Issues from People Who Present a Danger to Your Campus
Stephen Lopez, Chief of Police, New Mexico State University Police Department
College and university campuses are often viewed as either a recruiting ground for violent extremists or a soft target for said extremists. However, they are also a place where diverse thoughts and opinions are encouraged and free speech is treasured. This session will provide participants with an understanding of the importance of bystander reporting of extremist behavior and how to distinguish between someone who is merely exercising their right to free speech as opposed to someone who is on the pathway toward violence. It will also provide tips on how to engage campus communities in identifying and reporting potentially violent extremists.
- Learning Objective 1: Attendees will be able to identify the difference between free speech and violent extremism.
- Learning Objective 2: Attendees will be able to identify key investigative steps in determining whether someone is on the pathway toward violence.
- Learning Objective 3: Attendees will be able to identify approaches to use to engage the larger campus community in identifying and reporting individuals who are preparing to engage in violent extremism.
Threat Assessment, Mental Health and Behavioral Intervention Teams
Peggy Mitchell Clarke, Curriculum Author & Certified Executive Instructor, SSI Guardian
Do you know what to do when a student exhibits behaviors that are inappropriate or constitute a danger to themselves or others? Do you have a process in place to respond when a student exhibits behaviors that may be indicators of a mental health problem? A Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) is a multidisciplinary group that meets regularly and receives and tracks reports of disruptive, problematic, or concerning behavior or misconduct. The BIT also performs threat assessments and provides intervention, support and appropriate follow up. Whether used in a K-12, higher education or workplace environment, the focus of a BIT is on caring and prevention before an incident occurs. This session will provide an overview of the composition and function of a Behavioral Intervention Team and make recommendations for the type of training BIT members should receive. An example illustrating mental health concerns, threat assessment, appropriate case management and community referrals will be shared.
- Learning Objective 1: Attendees will understand the composition and function of a Behavioral Intervention Team and the type of training BIT members should receive.
- Learning Objective 2: Attendees will identify effective strategies for assessing threats involving mental health problems.
- Learning Objective 3: Attendees will examine the case management role of a Behavioral Intervention Team and identify appropriate interventions, responses and support resources
Parent-Child Reunification after a Crisis
Gary Sigrist, CEO & President, Safeguard Risk Solutions, LLC
After a school-based crisis or emergency, school leaders and their local first responder partners will be faced with the daunting challenge of reuniting scared students with their equally scared parents. This process can easily overwhelm local resources if proper planning has not been addressed. This session is designed to familiarize participants with the components of an effective parent-child reunification plan. Participants will return to their school able to analyze their current plans and capabilities to improve their school’s parent-child reunification plans.
- Learning Objective 1: Attendees will identify the key areas of a parent-child reunification plan.
- Learning Objective 2: Attendees will list forms and other resources necessary to conduct parent-child reunification.
- Learning Objective 3: Attendees will engage in activities designed to prepare for parent-child reunifications in local schools or districts.
After Hours Emergencies: Who Is In Charge?
Robby Ball, Coordinator, Educational Support Services, Emergency Management, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD
During the school day, plans are in place to keep staff and students safe. But what about before and after school or on trips? Who do you call, who is in charge and where do you go?
This session will help campus security professionals put plans together for before and after K-12 school activities to train sponsors, coaches, fine arts directors, etc., on what needs to be addressed, why it is important and putting a plan together that all personnel can easily follow.
Robby will also cover the basics of emergency planning during the school day and how this planning can be utilized in other areas.
- Learning Objective 1: Attendees will take away an ability to make a plan for events that occur after school. This plan will include training sponsors, coaches and teachers on where to go, who to call and how to keep calm during an emergency.
- Learning Objective 2: Attendees will learn the importance of planning and training all faculty and workers,
and how this training can help facilitate a safe venue and event. - Learning Objective 3: Attendees will take away resources that are being utilized to prepare students and staff for an emergency event.
The Benefits of Integrating Audio and Video Solutions on Campus
James Marcella, Director, Technical Services, Axis Communications
Kevin Wren, Security Director, Rock Hill School District
Video surveillance has traditionally been used to verify incidents after the fact. That mindset is rapidly changing as video analytics mature to a point where cameras can proactively alert security professionals who can then intervene in real-time. Having audio as an integrated part of a video surveillance system can also be an invaluable addition to a school’s ability to detect and interpret events and emergency situations. The ability of audio to cover a 360-degree area enables a video surveillance system to extend its coverage beyond a camera’s field of view.
Today, audio can also be used to provide security professionals with the ability to not only listen in on an area, but also communicate orders or requests to visitors or intruders. Audio-enabled access control – that is, a remote ‘doorman’ at an entrance – is another area of application especially relevant for educational institutions, which need to be secure but available after hours.
This session will share real-world examples of how audio combined with video can help officers respond to security situations on campus and intervene in real-time.
- Learning Objective 1: Attendees will learn how audio can be integrated with video solutions.
- Learning Objective 2: Attendees will understand how audio solutions could benefit different parts of their campus.
- Learning Objective 3: Attendees will recognize opportunities to enhance their current security plan with audio.
