As we begin the Spring Semester, the safety of our campus is of paramount importance and informs our planning and work.  The recent active shooter incident in Perry, Iowa reminds us that no community is safe from these types of senseless gun violence incidents. For some, these incidents have occurred in your hometown or affected someone close to you. Please know we stand in solidarity with you and your community as you heal from these tragic acts that should never have occurred. Support is available through the counseling center; Students can call 515–271–3864 to make an appointment and for Faculty and staff through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 800–327–4692.

Unfortunately, these instances weigh heavily on our sense of safety and remind us that active shooter incidents can happen anytime and anywhere. While we hope we will never face an active shooter situation, we must focus on preparedness like we would for any other emergency, such as fire or weather events.

Public Safety has continued to partner with colleagues across campus, the Des Moines Police Department and Polk County Emergency Management Office on a variety of resources for the campus community. These resources complement current emergency planning materials, and are designed to focus on what to do in the event of an active shooter.

Last year, Drake produced an Active Shooter Preparedness Video.  This video addresses what to do in the event of an active shooter in an administrative or academic setting. This six-minute video uses the principles of run, hide, fight first adopted by the City of Houston and affirmed by the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Bureau of Investigation.  A second video was developed specifically for those living and working in the residence halls. Please be aware that these videos feature simulated acts of violence, which may be disturbing and trigger an emotional response for some viewers. However, I believe these videos are important and vital to all our safety, and I encourage everyone who can to watch them.

In addition to the videos, I am happy to present an in-person one hour class on Active Shooter response for Departments or student groups.  Drake Public Safety ask that you familiarize yourself with emergency planning materials, download and use the RAVE guardian app, which offers a network of security communication tools, and if you “see something, say something,” as it takes each of us to keep our campus community safe.

— Scott Law, Executive Director for Public Safety