Local Colleges Change Security Approach Following Campus Shootings
LOWELL (CBS) - Middlesex Community College, like many schools, changed their security approach following the Virginia Tech massacre.
Security remains at the forefront of the college's operation. Several years ago they added an armed Lowell Police officer as a campus resource officer to catch problems at the front end. A Bedford police officer is at the Bedford campus. College staff are actively involved too.
Patrick Cook, Executive Director of Public Affairs at Middlesex Community College, explained how they concerning behavior or issues.
"We get flagged if there are any disturbing writings that occur or if there is something a teacher didn't care about in the classroom and we have a computer program that recognizes trends," said Cook. Those trends can help the school intervene before there is a larger problem.
Middlesex also put into place an emergency management team, and has linked in with 60 other municipalities to use their resources. The school has held active shooter drills.
With the shooting in Oregon, Cook said they expect staff and students will ask questions about security and safety on campus. The college plans to use it as an educational opportunity.