S. King-Goodwin introduced Chief Michael Cloutier, Fitchburg State University Police Department and Dr. Laura Bayless, Vice President for Student Affairs to talk about campus safety. They presented a detailed PowerPoint. 

L. Bayless noted her commitment to campus safety on this campus and also in her past positions. She stated that campus safety and campus police are two different things. She stated that she meets with every staff member that is interviewing for a position in Campus Police.

D. Phillips joined at 8:19 a.m. 

Chief Cloutier next provided his extensive background in law enforcement and his personal family connections to Fitchburg State. His passion for Fitchburg State was evident. He talked about what is campus safety and how we address a variety of different scenarios. Some of the less thought of areas of involvement include salting sidewalks, orientation, on boarding new employees, and the new faculty academy. There is a strong effort to let the community know the various processes to ensure campus safety. He talked about the top safety concerns in detail. Safety can only be achieved with collaboration. 

L. Bayless discussed the CARE and Bias incident teams and their roles in campus safety. The new dean of students has been hired and the Title IX officer begins on Monday.  She talked about the 2021 Campus Sexual Assault law and the Department of Higher Education regulations. We have a multitude of memorandums of understanding with community agencies. She discussed the tracking of data and the mechanisms used to track data. These mechanisms allow for the collection of data for bias incidents, academic integrity violations or other concerns.  The data is used to identify any threats to campus safety or other issues.  

L. Bayless next talked about prevention and awareness programs. An annual safety report is circulated. There are modules that students can take as a judicial educator. There are training opportunities for students, faculty, librarians, and staff. 

S. King-Goodwin asked if we require students to take campus safety courses?

L. Bayless responded yes.  It is a combination of programming which takes place during orientation that all students are asked to attend.  Residential students are also asked to participate in a fire safety program. There is no on-going recertification requirement. 

A. Turner asked if there were consequences to not attending? L. Bayless responded we have not decided to implement consequences. 

There was a discussion on the pros and cons of reporting incidents on campus or in the community. 

M. Cloutier talked about the collaborative process. He noted security cameras, call box phones across campus and that every telephone has a panic button to alert Campus Police. He next discussed wireless classrooms locks, the Red Folder, RAVE and RAVE Guardian Alerts. Select data was discussed, such as data that is analyzed for the possibility or probability of incidents. He talked about the various tasks, big and small, that the officers perform. These include lockouts, safety escorts, call box activations, classroom panic and fire alarms, as well as criminal activity, theft, vandalism, disorderly conduct, simple assault and breaking and entering. He talked about emergency mental health issues. There has been an increase in this area. He talked about the CLERY reports that include incidents of sexual violence, rape, foundling, incest and statutory rape. Campus Police is open 24 hours and it’s always staffed. Retention and recruitment are an important part of his position. He stated all logs are public and that the department is open and transparent. The City of Fitchburg Police and Fitchburg University Campus Police have a strong and long-standing collaborative relationship. 

M. Cloutier next talked about arrest vs. summons or conduct. When hiring a new officer, he always asks them why? This is an important aspect of recruitment. He shared his personal aspiration of why he wanted to be in law enforcement. His father was murdered when he was nine. 

M. Cloutier discussed the different programs to engage with students such as coffee with the cops, or pizza with the police. Chartwells sponsors a lot of these events. There are liaison student officers, which are paid positions. There are personal safety courses offered. 

There was a discussion. 

S. King-Goodwin expressed her appreciation and gratitude for the comprehensive presentation. She stated she felt confident and comfortable with the protocols in place. 

L. Barrieau said the presentation was amazing and very well done. She asked how are we responding to the mental health crisis, and all the professional staff trying to provide services to students. She noted that WPI is struggling with this issue. 

L. Bayless responded that there are a many services and referrals that the school provides to staff. 

There was a discussion. 

D. Phillips reiterated that this was a wonderful, thorough and informative presentation.