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Campus Security
-By Dwight �Pops� Garner
Copper Mountain College (CMC) is located in a friendly and close environment which makes it a great place to attend classes. But, is considering the campus a totally safe place taking things for granted?
Basically things have been tame here on campus. Only a few minor incidents have occurred. �Some incidents have caused some unruly students to be removed from class and escorted off the campus� stated CMC Campus Security Staff Member Donald Kelly. Other problems included; �Some vandalism of vehicles within the auto mechanics section of the college� added Kelly.
Although these problems may appear miniscule, security cannot be taken for granted. These vandalisms and violations, such as driving in the wrong direction in the one way zones of the parking lot, may be small now but could someday escalate into something worse.
The college has a security force which is staffed with three personnel. These three men work alone while on their shift. When things are fine, the one man post is okay, but when asked about his concerns, Kelly remarked, �I can only respond to one call at a time, but can receive three calls at once. Fortunately they have not been serious.� With concern Kelly continued saying, �I have to evaluate the situations and respond to the one of the most importance�.
Another major concern voiced by Kelly was the absence of a campus evacuation plan. Although he has researched the proper procedures with the local fire department and has submitted a plan through proper CMC administrative channels, no plan has been published. During a disaster, in which direction would a student exit the campus? How many different exits are you aware of? The main entrance would get quite congested during a campus emergency. One trained official on duty to guide and control the rush of traffic and the stampede of people on foot will not be sufficient.
CMC needs to be proactive and not reactive. Let�s not let a disaster convince the college officials to do what we already know is needed. We have already been shown by other major events in this country what can happen if we are not prepared.
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