In response to shootings at Virginia Tech earlier this week that left 33 dead, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has asked the Ohio Board of Regents to form a task force to review campus safety plans.
Eric Fingerhut, chancellor of the board ' which oversees public higher education ' has asked that universities wanting to participate choose a representative by April 23, said Keith Dailey, a spokesman for the governor.
University administrator and law enforcement response to violent situations will be the focus of the committee.
The task force will ensure college and universities put forth every effort to provide safe environments for students
Dailey said.
Either Michael Martinsen, chief of Ohio University's Police Department, or David Hopka, assistant vice president for Safety and Risk Management, will represent the university on the task force, Martinsen said.
Dangerous things happen on campuses; we're not immune to violence Martinsen said. I'm confident in our ability to respond to an active shooter situation.
Police response to active shooter situations ' where a gunman is firing at bystanders ' changed after Columbine, Martinsen said. Officers are now trained to immediately intervene instead of waiting for a SWAT team.
We wouldn't wait Martinsen said. The safety of the students is first and foremost.
The university's critical incident response team, formed to deal with such emergencies, would disseminate information to students and coordinate responders.
The last thing we want students to do is become curious and respond to the scene
Martinsen said.
Students should get as far away from an active shooter as possible and call 911, Martinsen said, adding that if that isn't possible, students should seek cover or hide until law enforcement arrives. Keeping your hands visible and non-threatening will let officers know you are not a threat, he said.
Carrying a weapon on campus for self defense isn't a good idea, Martinsen said.
I think (students) would be creating a greater hazard to themselves and others by carrying weapons
Martinsen said. Airsoft and paintball guns, which can resemble real weapons, can also create confusion for police, he said.
17
Archives
Dave Hendricks
200704204261midsize.jpg
Police tape still surrounds Norris Hall on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., yesterday. Officials are continuing to investigate Monday's massacre at the school. In response to the shootings, Ohio will form a task force of university repres
