NCJ Number
192983
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 31 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2001 Pages: 12-17
Date Published
2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article provides crisis plans for higher education institutions. The article explains the responsibilities of institutions in the event of a crisis, lists the types of crises that an institution should be prepared to handle, offers a unique communication plan and gives some tips on implementing a crisis plan.
Abstract
An important first step in creating a plan to deal effectively with campus crises is to appoint a staff member to chair a crisis plan committee. The staff member is usually from the security, student affairs, or public relations office. The campus security office is usually the main ingredient in developing or restructuring an emergency action plan. Another important member of the committee is a someone from the physical plant because emergencies on campus often involve facilities. A typical set of priorities for an institution might involve the following: protect the health and lives of the students; protect the health and lives of university personnel; protect university property; communicate clearly to internal and external constituencies; follow-up with any subsequent counseling or other necessary steps to restore well being on campus; protect and maintain the university’s image; resume business as usual; and evaluate the crisis update procedures as needed. Some potential crises that deserve more attention than others include bomb threats, civil disturbances, fire, cyber terrorism, hate crimes, suicide, and a tornado. A template to address each crisis should include the following: nature of the crisis, immediate steps that must be undertaken, decision makers and alternative decision makers, notification levels, procedures to be followed after containment of the situation, provisional plans and comments. A comprehensive plan will also require a number of appendices to describe the procedures referred to in a crisis. These appendices might include: senior staff/tactical teamwork and home phone numbers, other emergency contacts, a communication plan, emergency kits, school closings, emergency evacuation, bomb threat checklist, and media relations guide. The article also includes guidelines on media relations and the need for a campus to debrief after a crisis.