Following the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cabrillo College issued an official response. John Salisbury, Director of Planning and Facilities, sent an email to all Cabrillo staff members in an attempt to process and prepare for an incident such as this.
In 2017, there have been more mass shootings than days this year. A mass shooting is defined as an incident where 4 or more people are “shot and/or killed” in the same general location or time.
The incident that took place at the Route 91 Harvest music festival marked the 273rd mass shooting in 2017, according to the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive. 59 people were killed and 527 were injured. Mass shootings have occurred at many public institutions in our country and Cabrillo is doing what it can to prepare students and faculty if something like this were to ever happen on our campus.
The email from Director Salisbury read:
“In light of recent events, I would like to encourage all members of our community to please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our emergency response resources and procedures for an active shooter event on campus.
Consider taking some time today to familiarize yourself with the exit routes from your primary locations, note areas that could possibly be used as barricaded hiding places, and objects, such as fire extinguishers, that could be used for self-defense as a last resort. The prime directive, in this order, in the event of a shooter on campus is “RUN, HIDE, FIGHT”.
Cabrillo faculty members are required to take an active shooter training course, available via The Facilities Planning and Plant Operations; in an effort to educate staff on what the best possible plan of action would be in case the unspeakable occurred.”
The Cabrillo College website has Emergency Response Plans to a number of situations. The response plan in the event that there is an active shooter on Campus is outlined below:
1. Do not come to campus if you aren’t already there.
2. Initiate Code RED Lockdown:
3. If you hear the sound of gunshots or you are instructed to do so, initiate Code RED lockdown procedures:
◆ Lock doors, close curtains, silence phones, spread out and get low, away from -windows or fields of fire. Refer to communication plan for notification procedures.
4. Do NOT evacuate rooms or buildings unless told to do so by the Building Manager, police officers, or unless is it absolutely clear that it is safe to do so.
5. Call 911. Give the following information:
◆ Indicate that there has been a shooting or that someone has been shot.
◆ The exact location of the suspect(s) including building, type of building, number of exits, room/office number, front or side window, roof, office, classroom, etc.
◆ Whether any shots were fired by the suspect(s), if the suspect(s) is still shooting, and the type of weapon (rifle, shotgun, handgun, etc.) or explosive device(s)
◆ Description of suspects(s), their clothing, vehicle used, and direction of travel.
◆ Condition and number of hostages, and number of victims injured or killed.
◆ Any demands or information supplied by suspect(s).
6. Follow the instructions of 911 personnel, police officers, or other rescue personnel
For more Information visit the Facilities Planning and Plant Operations home page. On the right-hand side of the page, you will find a link guiding you to the “Emergency Preparedness & Responses” page. Along with the emergency plan of action on the “Shooter/Sniper/Armed Intruder” page, there is a link to the “RUN, HIDE, FIGHT” video.
Graphic Warning: This video can be disturbing. Viewing it is recommended, being prepared could save your or someone else’s life.
Crisis, short-term personal counseling and community referrals for additional support are always available to enrolled students free of charge.
The Student Health Services Center, located in room 912, has released an additional statement on its homepage:
“In the aftermath of a mass shooting tragedy, it’s normal to feel sadness, anxiety, fear, anger or any mix of these emotions. We encourage people to reach out to family, friends or counselors to express their feelings and explore effective and healthy ways to cope with their emotions. In the next few days and weeks, it will be important to look out for each other – be particularly aware of warning signs that someone is feeling hopeless or acute distress. The signs could include withdrawing and isolating oneself, not sleeping or sleeping all the time, increased use of drugs or alcohol and talking about death or dying.
If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of distress, please reach out to a mental health professional or get anonymous, free support by texting START to Crisis Text Line at 741741”
To schedule an appointment, call 831-479-6435 or visit Room 912 next to the Cafeteria.
