GMU's Team Approach to Studying and Improving Campus Security

• NCJ Number: 206155
• Journal: Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 34 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2004 Pages: 10-13
• Author(s): Pete Nacci Ph.D.; Michael Lynch; Jeff Allison; Norman Barnes; Lisa Pepin
• Date Published: May 2004
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Case Study
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article describes a George Mason University (GMU) class project in which the Fairfax campus’s vulnerability to terrorism was assessed using a prototype Campus Assessment Instrument developed by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP).

Abstract

During the fall semester 2003, the Administration of Justice Program at GMU’s Fairfax campus offered a course entitled, “Organizational Response to Terrorism,” which was taught by a professor who also held a position with the ODP. As part of their coursework, students completed a vulnerability assessment of GMU’s Fairfax campus, offering the ODP a pretest of their prototype Campus Assessment Instrument. The ODP Campus Assessment Instrument rank orders facilities according to their desirability as a terrorist target. The assessment scale includes factors such as criticality of the site, visibility of the site, and potential target population, among others. The assessment tool is designed to quickly prioritize facilities for a more in-depth, site specific evaluation. Results regarding the ODP Campus Assessment Instrument were positive and students found it to be user friendly. The sites the Campus Assessment Instrument flagged for a site specific analysis were the same sites identified by campus police for further analysis. Specific findings regarding campus safety cannot be revealed, however, one noteworthy finding was the lack of training for building security personnel on recognition of explosive devices and other terrorist weapons. A sample of recommendations for security improvements taken directly from students papers are listed, with references to specific buildings or sites removed. Important partnerships among students, police, and faculty developed as a result of the project; these partnerships should be continued as public safety depends on mutual goals and shared responsibilities. Note, photographs