Safety Corner

The Safety Committee is excited to start the Fall 2023 semester off with many new updates and trainings that were developed to offer valuable knowledge and insight into QCC’s safety procedures and protocols. This committee was formed in Fall 2022 to maintain a front-facing proactive way of addressing any safety issues that may arise and communicate how they are being addressed.

A task force consisting of QCC Police Sgt. William McGuinness, Community Resources Officer Nicholas Yacuzzi and Professor Michael Gormley of the Faculty Senate worked together throughout the summer to enhance the Active Threat/Run, Hide Fight response plan for the college community.

This Active Threat/Run, Fight, Hide program will launch soon after the start of the fall 2023 semester. The program will consist of three steps:

• Step One in September: This will feature a PowerPoint introduction to the Active Threat/Run, Fight, Hide program to begin building more awareness.
• Step Two in October: Individuals will actively demonstrate what they would do in an Active Threat based on individual portions of the PowerPoint introduction to the Active Threat/Run, Fight, Hide program.
• Step Three in November: A simulated active threat will be played out and individuals will have to react to the situation based on what they have learned.

Faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to participate. The majority of QCC students have gone through some type of Active Threat/Run, Fight, Hide training during their years in K-12. This training ensures that we, as a college community, are all ready and prepared should an active threat present itself.  

Please Note: This same program will be offered again during the Spring 2024 semester.

Prior safety concerns that were addressed in 2022 when the Safety Committee was first formed included:

• The Mass Notification System, which was upgraded to allow for all buildings (sound system both inside and outside buildings) to broadcast information of an active threat event in a rapid manner. Messaging was reviewed and revised to ensure notices were clearer and more concise. 
• All exterior doors can now be secured electronically from a central location, should the college go into lockdown, and it becomes necessary to engage this safety measure.
• Simulated active threat training was conducted by the QCC Police Department for all QCC Campus Police officers and security personnel over the summer. This training is ongoing to solidify the skills needed by the entire QCC Campus Police Department to respond to an active threat on campus.
• Addressing questions by the QCC community, which will remain ongoing. For questions, concerns, suggestions, or thoughts, please email safetyfeedback [at] qcc.mass.edu. Identities of those who send in questions will remain confidential.
• A quick reminder that Students and Faculty can enter their cell phone numbers through The Q to receive text message emergency alerts. Staff can send an email to help [at] qcc.mass.edu to get signed up.

As we prepare for another academic year, we hope you will join us in partnering together for the safety and security of our QCC community.