The probability of an active shooter at SRJC may be slim, but the aftermath could be devastating. SRJC hopes to train staff and students alike in survival techniques by offering three active shooter situation training seminars.
Doug Kuula, manager of the Health and Safety Department on campus, along with SRJC District Police chief Matthew McCaffrey will host the seminars.
The one-hour sessions are available three times to maximize participation. The first one is noon, Oct. 2 at the Bertolini Student Activities Center. The second one takes place at 5 p.m. The third starts 3:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at Petaluma campus in the Richard Call Building, room 656.
Susan Quinn, director of the SRJC Student Health Services, said, “This program is excellent, particularly because it outlines specific critical thinking skills to apply to an active shooter situation, that can provide an individual something specific and concrete to DO when needed.”
Kuula pointed to the three most important tips when confronted with this danger: get out, hide out and when all else fails, take out. Decide the best course of action.
“The knowledge a person can obtain from this video has the potential to transform worry and anxiety about personal exposure to violence into increased self confidence in one’s ability to protect themselves and others, and empowers them to pro-actively respond should they find themselves in an active shooter situation,” Quinn said.
“The chances a person will need to use these skills is fortunately very rare. If an event were to happen at our college, Student Health Services and our Crisis Intervention Resource Team would provide support for our individuals and our community as needed.”
The Crisis Intervention Resource Team number is 524-1598. Numerous shootings have been prevented by someone calling either law enforcement, the CIRT, counselors or professors.
SRJC President Dr. Frank Chong said district police have had lots of training for active shooter situations.
“It’s about reaction,” he said. “We’re ready to react. If something comes down, we would be ready to work with Santa Rosa PD, the Sheriffs. The protocols are in place.”