Fayetteville State University Police reviewing security plans in the wake of Wayne County shooting
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- For Fayetteville State University freshman Andria Bell, the shooting at Wayne Community College eight days ago hits close to home.
"It's closer because Wayne County Community is only about an hour away, and its really scary knowing it's so close," said Bell.
Fayetteville State University Police Chief Charles Kimble said his officers are always training, but said that training is heightened by the shooting.
"Events like that we make sure we use the latest techniques when it comes to suppressing any Kind of violence," said Kimble.
Kimble's department is up to date on technology too. There are nearly 400 surveillance cameras in and around every building as well as 44 emergency call boxes on the campus.
Kimble said more than 6,000 to 8,000 people are on the FSU campus daily including students, administrators, and workers.
FSU officers patrol the campus 24/7. Students like Dionesia Robertson are comforted by that.
"This being an open campus," she said, "it does make you feel safer and is very much needed with all the stuff that is going on in the world."
And safety is part of the education. Kimble said many students and staff are routinely trained each year to take charge in a crisis.
"One of the classes we teach is called "Shots Fired," and what it does is it teaches people not to be a victim -- whether a student or faculty member," said Kimble. "Somebody has to be in charge and have a plan. Who is going to be in charge with communications. Who is going to be in charge of barricading the door. We want them to do something. Not just sit in a classroom and be a victim. Have a plan."
Kimble said the course is taught at all UNC system schools. He said he and other university police chiefs talk weekly. After the Wayne County incident, he said he and his officers are reviewing and tweaking their crisis plans, while hoping it never happens here.
