What You Do Matters

By KATE PIERCE Executive Editor

As the national conversation and action concerning gun violence continues, training is taking place at Saint Rose and in the community.

“Being prepared is a key component to having a safe outcome,” said Steve Stella, the director of campus security.

Among training sessions, the College is planning a live exercise to simulate an active shooter situation. Volunteer participants will play the roles of shooter and victims. Albany Police officers will respond to the situation, along with members of the local fire department.

“Our security officers receive annual training in many areas,” said Stella. “They will be participating in the drill, as will many members of the College community.”

The College’s emergency management team will be in other buildings on campus, and campus security will practice their role of keeping the community away from the situation.

“Unfortunately we need to do the practice,” said Dennis McDonald, vice president for student affairs.

The simulation is planned for Friday, April 27 in the Hearst Center for Communications and Interactive Media. The entire campus will go into a practice lockdown. The drill could last anywhere from 15 minutes to half an hour, depending on how it is handled by all departments.

“Outside of notifying the campus, we will be notifying the surrounding community,” said McDonald. “We really need to make sure the word is out.”

In preparation for the live simulation, “Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events” training was held on campus on Mar. 19 and 21. The session was presented by Sergeant Vince Thompson of the Albany Police Department, who serves with the