Issue link: https://securitytechnologyexecutive.epubxp.com/i/656764
40 SECURITY TECHNOLOGY EXECUTIVE • February/March 2016 www.SecurityInfoWatch.com first Virginia community college cam- pus to implement the T IPS preven- tion platform in 2012, had previous- ly established a standard web-based reporting form, but the customization features available in T IP S provided significant advantages. "Being able to determine what types of incidents could be repor ted and design the forms and questions based on our current procedures made the transition to T IP S simple. And the way in which repor ts from different lo cations and incident t y p es could be directed to the appropriate staff, helped us ensure the right people were being notified so immediate and pro- active actions could be taken," said Chief Kelvin Maxwell. In addition, to Maxwell, T homas Ne l s o n 's T h re a t A s s e s s m e n t Te a m includes the Vice President for Finance and Administration, Human Resourc- es manager, campus police and stu- dent counseling staff. General Coun- sel is also added to specific repor ts when needed. With TIPS third-par ty resources law enforcement , mental health, compliance, etc. can become i nv o l v e d a n d a d d e d t o i n d i v i d u a l repor ts in the system, if, and only when, their guidance is requested. Campus- wide awareness and edu- cation regarding incident repor ting of concerning behaviors are critical – all resident advisors, mental health counselors, academic advisors, faculty members, etc. need to understand that all threats and concerning behaviors should be communicated to the threat assessment team. Ongoing awareness and reminders for students, faculty and staff should emphasize how they play a very important role in keeping their campus safe and helping individuals in distress, whether or not a direct threat has been made. At the beginning of the fall semes- ter, Ger manna Community College posted several TIPS Awareness Post- ers (provided by Awareity) around campus with examples of the differ- ent behaviors that can and should be reported via TIPS. "Students really appreciate that we are taking extra steps to involve them in safety efforts on campus. They really are our best eyes and ears on campus. TIPS allow anyone associated with the college community to come for ward and anonymously share information regarding concerning behaviors with us," said Pam Frederick, Dean of Stu- dent Development at Germanna. "The information is immediately communi- cated to our threat assessment team and proactively investigated so we can prevent the situation from escalating." Once an investigation is determined to be "resolved", it is also important to follow up and monitor at-risk individu- als and situations on an ongoing basis. The follow-up process may be as sim- ple as checking in with the student (or parents, roommates, counselor of the individual involved) periodically and ensuring the situation is not escalating. TIPS provides a valuable reminder tool that ensures these follow-up actions are taking place and no student/individual slips through the cracks. Other community colleges are also using TIPS to help all Campus Securi- ty Authorities (CSAs) report required C ler y A c t cate gor ies ( hazing , hate crimes, stalking, assault, etc.). Once the incident reports are submitted, they are easily reviewed for reporting require- ments and to ensure compliance with numerous other Cler y requirements. Third-party security staff and guards can also utilize the platform to keep track of all of their security incidents (vandalism, trespassing , theft, disor- derly conduct, etc.). Southside VA Community College and Wy theville Community College (and others too) will also be launching the TIPS prevention platform for their campus communities this year, as the evidence and successes from other col- leges clearly show TIPS is saving lives, futures, reputations and budgets. ■ RISK MITIGATION About the Author: Katie Johnson is Vice President of VP Marketing and Client Services for Awareity. After graduating from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 2005, Johnson joined Awareity and has helped grow and expand their services, including the introduction of the award-winning web- based prevention platform, TIPS, in 2010. She leads Awareity's implementation and client support team and enjoys strategizing with clients to generate creative solutions for client challenges and requirements. Gathering client feedback and lessons learned is also key as Johnson works directly with the Development team, evolving the TIPS platform and creating innovative and intuitive product features to help clients improve ongoing efficiencies. To learn more about Awareity's TIPS platform and the award- winning Cawood Assessment Grids, please visit www. awareity.com. "Once an investigation is determined to be 'resolved', it is also important to follow up and monitor at-risk individuals and situations on an ongoing basis."