By Saul Ruiz
EL CAJON, CALIF. —William Li recently presented on behalf of the Student Advisory Board of Education in Sacramento regarding campus safety. Li raised concerns over the safety of California students and the effective measures campuses may take to handle severe emergencies, such as active shooters. Li proposed that high schools and campuses statewide should follow and teach standardized safety and train staff to handle situations using a universal protocol and, therefore, be able to control various situations no matter the campus they are on.
Campus and Parking Services (CAPS) works with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff on campus. Together, they investigate various incidents, from trespassers to hit-and-runs. CAPS also conducts wellness checks on students on campus when a physical or mental health issue is suspected.
A frequently updated crime log can be found on-location at the CAPS office and online. This crime log details investigations regarding ongoing incidents between Grossmont and Cuyamaca College’s campuses. It will also provide details of situations and how CAPS has handled them. Ongoing events are labeled as such; once cases are concluded there is a status on what type of resolution has been enacted. Often, the cases conclude with a warning or fine, but in more severe cases, there are towings and the involvement of the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. Additionally, the department of public safety on Grossmont has an Emergency Preparedness System, which alerts students and staff of Grossmont of impending emergencies. As read on the website, we are alerted through email and text of natural disasters, campus threats, or medical emergencies. Evacuation routes and disaster kits are in each building.
CAPS provides additional services on the Grossmont campus, such as: welfare checks, emergency response, and investigation or resolution of campus conflicts. CAPS’ activities can be monitored through their consistently updated crime log or inquiries through the district parking offices on campus. Information can be found on their website and by emailing the district parking offices.
The district’s CAPS services seem to have a large communication platform with students and staff alike to alert them of emergencies.
