Emergency Response Standard Operating Procedures/Threats, Critical Incidents

Created: 2/24/25
Contact: Campus Safety Director

Emergency Response Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

Purpose
The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to establish a clear and standardized protocol for emergency response on the college campus. The SOP aims to be proactive in the protection of the safety and well-being of students, faculty and staff in the event of various emergencies, including but not limited to natural disasters, fires, active threats and other critical incidents. It provides guidance for effective communication, coordination and response procedures to mitigate risks, minimize injuries and protect lives and property.

Objective
The objective of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to establish a systematic and coordinated approach to respond to threats or mass incidents on the college campus. SOP aims to ensure the safety and security of the campus community, minimize potential risks and facilitate effective communication and collaboration among relevant stakeholders during threatening incidents. By implementing this SOP, we strive to being proactive in creating a secure and resilient campus environment that effectively addresses threats, safeguards the well-being of the campus community and aids in mitigating the potential risks associated with such incidents.

Scope
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) applies to all buildings, facilities and employees within the college campus. It encompasses the response threats or any related incidents that may jeopardize the safety and security of the campus community.

The SOP covers all departments, employees, students.

This SOP is intended to be used in conjunction with other relevant policies, procedures and guidelines specific to emergency management, campus security, incident reporting, evacuation and related areas. It aligns with local laws, regulations and best practices governing threat response and campus safety.

It is crucial for all individuals covered by this SOP to familiarize themselves with its contents, participate in training and drills, and actively contribute to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment.

Background
Threats to the campus could be emergent and active, i.e. active shooter, intruder shooter

Bomb threats are delivered in a variety of ways. Bomb threats are rarely made in person and generally are transmitted by telephone directly to the target. However, threats may also be communicated in writing or by e-mail.

Staff Response Procedures
Mass Emergency Notification policy and procedure will be followed

Bomb Threats Received by Telephone
Specific guidance for handling telephonic bomb threats is provided in the Bomb Threat Checklist form.

The bomb threat caller is the best source of information about the bomb. When a bomb threat is called in:

  • Keep the caller on the phone line as long as possible.
  • Ask them to repeat the message.
  • Record every word spoken by the person if possible.
  • If the caller does not indicate the location or the time of possible detonation, ask them for this information.
  • Inform the caller that the building is occupied, and the detonation of a bomb could result in death or serious injury to many innocent people.
  • Pay particular attention to background noises, such as motors running, music playing and any other noise, which may give a clue as to the location of the caller.
  • Listen closely to the voice (male, female), accents and speech impediments.
  • Immediately after the caller hangs up, report the threat to the following in this order
  1. Liberty Police Department (911)
  2. Campus Safety 816 365-0709
  3. Campus Safety Director, Darlene Santiago-Dotson 816 885-0935
  • Remain available, as law enforcement personnel will want to interview you.

Bomb Threats Received in Writing
Save all materials, including any envelope or container.

Once the message is recognized as a bomb threat, further unnecessary handling should be avoided.

Immediately call the Police by dialing 911.

They will respond to the location of the person receiving the threat. Police will determine if outside assistance is needed.

Evacuation
Should an evacuation be deemed necessary, it will be ordered by the Campus Safety Director, Cabinet member, a designee or upon the instruction of the first responders.

Roles and Responsibilities

  1. First Responders (Police, Firefighters, Medical Personnel, etc.):
    • Responds to the scene of the emergency and provides immediate assistance and medical aid.
    • Collaborate with the Incident Commander and follow their instructions for incident management.
  2. Incident Commander: (Jewell Staff, LPD, LPD Fire etc.)
    • Assumes overall command and control of the emergency response.
    • Coordinates and directs the activities of all response personnel.
    • Makes critical decisions regarding resource allocation, evacuation and other response actions.
  3. Threat assessment Team
    • Comprised of trained individuals from various departments.
    • Assists the Incident Commander in managing and executing emergency response activities.
    • Implements specific response procedures based on their assigned roles.
  4. Campus Security Authorities:
    • Responsible for monitoring and assessing potential threats on campus.
    • Promptly reports any suspicious activities or security concerns to the appropriate authorities.
    • Assists first responders
  5. Campus Community (Students, Faculty and Staff):
    • Follows established emergency procedures and promptly reports emergencies to the appropriate authorities.
    • Cooperates with emergency personnel, follows evacuation orders

Initial Response
During an emergency, the following steps will be taken as part of the initial response:

  1. Mobilize first responders and direct them to the scene of the emergency
  2. Initiate emergency notifications to the campus community, using appropriate communication methods based on the nature and severity of the incident.
  3. Activate the Threat Assessment Team
  4. Establish a command post and coordinate resources, personnel and response actions.

Evacuation Procedures
In the event of an evacuation, the following procedures will be followed:

  1. Initiate the emergency mass notification (RAVE)
  2. Provide clear instructions, reunification points and any specific procedures for different locations or types of emergencies.
  3. All individuals evacuate in an orderly and safe manner.
  4. Supervisors will be responsible for communicating or locate at reunification points to account for all individuals that report to them.

Communications and Notifications
Effective communication and timely notifications are crucial during threat incidents, to ensure the safety and well-being of the campus community. The following guidelines outline the communication procedures and notification process:

Internal Communication

  • Establish a designated communications coordinator or team responsible for coordinating internal communication efforts.
  • Maintain open lines of communication among the Threat Assessment (TAT) team, incident command, campus leadership, security personnel and relevant departments.
  • Utilize efficient communication channels such as dedicated phone lines, walkie-talkies, or instant messaging platforms for real-time updates and coordination.

External Communication

  • The Campus Safety Director or a designee will communicate with external entities, such as law enforcement agencies, media outlets and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure coordinated messaging and information sharing.
  • Follow established protocols for sharing information with external entities, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality and compliance with legal requirements.

Mass Notifications
Utilize a mass notification system capable of reaching the entire campus community in a timely manner. This may include text messages, emails, phone calls and mobile app notifications.

Tailor the content of mass notifications to provide clear and concise instructions, including information about the threat, evacuation procedures, designated reunification points and any other pertinent guidance.

Ensure the mass notification system is regularly tested and updated to maintain functionality and accuracy.

Campus-wide Email
The Campus Safety Director will send campus-wide email notifications when appropriate, especially for moderate and high-level threats, to provide detailed information and instructions to faculty, staff and students.

Use email notifications to supplement other forms of communication and reach individuals who may not have immediate access to other communication channels.

Monitor social media platforms for potential misinformation or rumors and address them promptly with accurate information.

Website and Social Media
The Director of Marketing/Communications will update the College’s website promptly with relevant information about the threat or incident to include ongoing response efforts and any necessary instructions for The College community.

Incident Management
During an incident, the following procedures will be followed for effective incident management:

  1. Establish a clear chain of command and designate an Incident Commander to oversee the response and recovery efforts.
  2. Implement the Incident Command System (ICS) to ensure proper organization, coordination and communication among response personnel. (first responders)
  3. Conduct regular briefings to provide updates on the incident, share critical information and assign tasks to response teams.
  4. Document all actions, decisions and communications throughout the incident for post-incident analysis and improvement.

Post-Incident Management
After an incident has been resolved, the following steps will be taken for post-incident management:

  1. Conduct a comprehensive debriefing session with all key stakeholders involved in the response to review the incident, identify strengths and discuss areas for improvement.
  2. Document lessons learned, including any recommendations for procedural enhancements or resource adjustments.
  3. Update the SOP based on the lessons learned and incorporate any necessary revisions to improve future response efforts.
  4. Provide support and resources to individuals affected by the incident, including counseling services and necessary accommodation.
  5. Communicate with the campus community to provide post-incident updates, address concerns and reinforce campus safety measures.

Training and Drills
To ensure preparedness and effectiveness, the following training and drills will be conducted regularly:

  1. Annual threat assessment team training
  2. Schedule evacuation drills to familiarize the campus community with evacuation procedures, assembly points and communication protocols. (fire, lockdown, tornado, emergency mass notification test)
  3. Document and evaluate the outcomes of training and drills and make necessary adjustments to improve emergency response preparedness.

Contacts

College Resources

State and Local Resources

Victim Advocacy

  • Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Victim Advocate: 816-736-8300
  • Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Victim Advocate: 816-881-3555
  • Domestic Violence Victim Assistance Program: 816-513-3927
  • Missouri Victim Assistance Network: 800-698-9199

Legal Assistance

  • Legal Aid of Western Missouri – Domestic Violence Protection: 816-474-9868              
  • Missouri Coalition Against Sexual Assault: 573-636-8776
  • Missouri Bar Association Attorney Referral Line: 573-636-3635

Visa and Immigration Support Services

  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – Immigration Options for Victims of Crimes: 1-800-375-5283
  • Liberty Hospital, 2525 Glenn Hendren Drive, Liberty, MO 64068: 816-781-7200

National Resources