What you can do to report, prevent, and respond to violence and the potential for violence

Campus violence - though rare - can be devastating. There is no magic formula, but there are measures we can all take to report, prevent, and respond to actual or potential violence. This pamphlet summarizes resources available to us. A printable brochure version is available here.
Below is a summary of the four items to keep in mind:

1. Call 911 if you see or hear of violence that is presently occurring or is about to occur:
   • This is the ONLY emergency number for Central.
   • Do not hesitate to call if you see or hear of an armed individual on campus, a threat to use violence against members of the community, or any other immediate or imminent danger involving the use of violence or force.
   • This is the same number you would call for a medical emergency or crime.
   • Do not dial the local Central police number, or that of the New Britain police; they will be informed immediately once you dial 911.

2. Call 860-832-2375 if you believe that the behavior, demeanor, or language of a member of the Central community presents a serious concern about their own or others' well-being, but does not constitute an immediate or imminent threat.

   Your call will be received at the communication center of the new Public Safety (police) building, and your concern will be directed by a dispatcher to the appropriate group from among the following (see inside for more details):

   • Threat Assessment Team (TAT)
   • Student Behavioral Review Team (SBRT)
   • Human Resources (HR)
   • Student Wellness Services (SWS)
3. In a campus-wide emergency you may be contacted in various ways:
   • Cell phone notifications
   • The external Whelen alarm system
   • A banner notice on the Central website home page
   • Trained police officers who can provide detailed instructions In an emergency situation you should:
4. In an emergency situation you should:
   • Evacuate the building in the case of a fire alarm or other specific instructions to do so.
   • Otherwise, close doors and blinds and remain quiet in your classroom or office.
   • Follow the procedures "Run, Hide, or Fight" on the video.
   • Follow police instructions.
      

Each of these items is further explained below, along with a list of actions you can take right now to be better prepared.

1.  
   1.  

      1. Call 911 if you see or hear of violence that is presently occurring or is about to occur:

         No matter who you are or where you are, 911 is THE number to call for any emergency - police, fire, or medical.

         • 911 is the ONLY emergency telephone number that may be advertised in Connecticut.
         • ONLY the 911 dispatcher can send fire or medical personnel, in addition to police officers.
         • 911 calls are received at the City of New Britain Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and routed immediately to the Central Police Department when appropriate.
         • 911 calls made from Central phones ring simultaneously at the Central Police Department and pinpoint the location of the caller on campus.
         • The New Britain 911 routes all emergency calls to the appropriate first responder including the Central Police via the Central dispatch center, including calls made from cell phones.

      2. Call 860-832-2375 if you believe that the behavior, demeanor, or language of a member of the Central community presents a serious concern about their own or others' well-being, but does not constitute an immediate or imminent threat:

         Your call will be received at the communication center of the new Public Safety (police) building, and your concern will be directed by a dispatcher to the appropriate group from among the following University groups:

         • Threat Assessment Team (TAT): For when a student's or employee's behavior, language, or demeanor poses a potential threat to self or others. The TAT is distinguished from SBRT's review by the greater level of concern for the immediacy or the likelihood of the potential danger.
         • Student Behavioral Review Team (SBRT): For when a student is exhibiting symptoms of personal distress or when a student's behavior, language, or demeanor suggests the non-immediate potential for violence to self or others. The SBRT will review the reported situation and determine the most appropriate course of action.
         • Human Resources (HR): For when an employee is exhibiting symptoms of distress or when an employee's actions are of a concern to the well-being of self or others.
         • Student Wellness Services (SWS): Provides direct medical care and counseling services to students only, but will consult with faculty who are unsure about how to help a student in distress, are concerned about a student's well-being, or have other serious concerns.
      3. In a campus wide emergency, you may be contacted in various ways:
         • Cell phone notifications: The University has a multi-tiered notification system (MIR3) to inform faculty and other members of the community of emergency situations, including cellphone, land line, email and text message alerts. All faculty and students, both full time and part time, are automatically registered. You must contact Human Resources at 860-832-1756 to change your primary number; you can add additional contact numbers at through the Emergency Notification site.
         • The external Whelen alarm system: The Whelen system is an external loudspeaker and alarm system that may be used in cases where mass notification is warranted. It will be tested at least once each semester, and you will be notified in advance of the test.
         • A banner notice on the Central web-site home page: The University webpage at www.ccsu.edu will be modified to carry a banner on its front page in case of an emergency. It may not be possible to update this banner as the situation unrolls, so you may want to look at local television websites for additional information. Do not call 911 solely for information.
         • Trained police officers who can provide detailed instructions: Follow the instructions of campus or city police officers; they have jointly trained to deal with emergency situations at the University.
      4. In an emergency situation you should:
         • Evacuate the building only if specifically instructed to do so: In this case, you will receive a direct order to leave the building and maintain a distance from it. Do not enter a building when you see occupants leaving. Evacuate a building when the fire alarm sounds.
         • Otherwise, close and lock doors, draw blinds, and remain quiet in your class or office. Measures are being taken to determine how doors are locked in various buildings and inform faculty (this may vary from building to building). Blinds on office and classroom doors leading to corridors will be installed.

         • In an "active shooter" situation there are three basic options: RUN, HIDE, or FIGHT. The Central police department recommends this procedure as the most reasonable way to act in the face of an armed intruder. Remember that others will follow the lead of faculty, staff, or administration during an active shooter situation. Click for more information.

           RUN - Evacuate: If an escape route is accessible, attempt to evacuate the premises.

           HIDE - If evacuation / escape not possible, find a place to hide where an active shooter is less likely to find you.

           FIGHT - Take action against the active shooter. Take last resort measures for survival when facing imminent injury or death. Attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter.

Steps you can take immediately:

1.  
   1.  
      1. Update your primary emergency contact phone number by calling HR at 860-832-1756.
      2. Keep your cell phone on vibrate for emergency notifications when it is in silent mode.
      3. Make sure that this pamphlet and the information it contains is discussed at department meetings each academic year.
      4. Make sure that part-time faculty (or staff) in your department get this pamphlet and are aware of its contents, and have updated their cell-phone and other emergency information.
      5. Enter 911 in the speed dial of your cell phone, if your phone does not already have this pre-set for emergencies.
      6. Enter the phone number for issues of serious concern: 860-832-2375.
      7. You can find out much more about "Run, Hide, or Fight".

Additional measures are currently in development and will be communicated when completed, including a wallet card with phone numbers for handy reference; safety measures specific to each campus building; a poster outlining emergency measures for posting in offices, classrooms, and hallways; and a suggested format for a paragraph on campus safety that can be included in course syllabi.

This pamphlet was produced by the Ad-Hoc Senate Committee on Campus Safety, which includes teaching faculty, administrative faculty, police officers and administrative officials. You can contact us for suggestions and questions by email: Blitz@ccsu.edu,NunnM@ccsu.edu, McLaughlinM@ccsu.edu or CervoniC@ccsu.edu. This pamphlet will be reviewed and reissued each term, and your comments and suggestions for improvement are invited.

Click here for a printable brochure version.