SPVM delivers sessions on protecting yourself
Last week, the SPVM, Montreal’s police force, led 10 sessions of a special training workshop at Dawson on what to do in the event of an armed attacker.
This is always a painful and difficult subject, but especially here at Dawson and after the recent tragedy in Tumbler Ridge.
We are mindful, as we have always been, of the experience shared in 2006, for some firsthand, for many of us through the recovery period and some through media coverage. As a result, the presentation was specially formulated to avoid, as much as possible, any instances that could cause undue concern or distress.
The last 10-15 years have seen the development of a different approach to these incidents with specific strategies to Run, Hide or Fight. These strategies were explained by the two SPVM officers, including lockdown procedures. Fight is described as a last resort.
Useful and necessary information
On average, 25-35 employees attended each of the sessions in English and 5-10 employees attended in French. Feedback was very positive and appreciative, participants calling these sessions useful, informative and necessary.
The same presentation has been given at a number of CEGEPs, hospitals and universities, including École Polytechnique. Concordia has plans to present the sessions at the university as well. All three institutions have suffered violent attacks on our campuses.
The goal of the presentation is not to traumatize or re-traumatize those who were present, but to learn from our experience and to apply the updated procedures in ways that may save lives.
Based on the feedback, the SPVM training sessions will be repeated in the Fall. It is highly recommended that every employee attends. The session lasts two hours with an optional 30 minutes for questions.
The next steps
In addition to the next round of training sessions, Facilities Management and the Communications Office have been working together to update and launch emergency measures materials to replace those that have been in place since 2006-2007.
Community members should familiarize themselves with these Emergency Procedures.
- This revised set of directives which describes every sort of emergency, including what to do in the event of an armed attacker, has already been posted on the main website and on Omnivox. Click on the Emergency Procedures tab in red at the top of the left-hand navigation pane.
- Shortly, an abridged Emergency Procedures poster will be displayed in every classroom, lab, office, corridor and common space. The most common forms of emergency are listed, as well as what to do in the event of an armed attacker.
- The SPVM has produced a short video on Run, Hide, Fight using animation. It will be available online on the main website and Omnivox.
- At the beginning of every semester, all students will be sent a mandatory document strongly advising them to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Procedures they can find online and displayed throughout the College.
No one should ever have to experience an attack at their school. This is a place meant to be safe and supportive. But understanding how students and staff can protect themselves in schools or other public spaces is vital and could save lives.
