At MSSU, the ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training has been crucial to creating a safer environment on campus. ALICE is a training program designed to equip individuals of the MSSU community with skills to respond to threats or emergencies. Over the past decade, the MSSU Police Department has offered ALICE to provide staff, instructors, and students with the skills needed to handle various emergencies.
In high-stress situations, there is no single response that fits all emergencies. Whether it be an active shooter or potential weather threat, ALICE training teaches various strategies for handling these situations effectively. James Swift, the former Police Chief at MSSU, claims that ALICE at MSSU enables people to react more effectively than traditional techniques. “The implementation of ALICE reflects a growing understanding nationwide that traditional lockdown procedures are no longer enough in every emergency. MSSU’s goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge and confidence to act effectively, whatever the situation may demand.” This approach allows individuals to make informed decisions in high-stress situations, ultimately increasing their chances of survival. ALICE training builds resilience by teaching individuals to assess the threat and information in real-time, allowing them to decide whether to lock down, seek shelter, or evacuate based on specific circumstances.
Beyond simply responding, ALICE increases the overall safety of the MSSU community by offering detailed steps to ensure individuals can act appropriately during emergencies, as highlighted by Swift. “The process starts with alerting others to the danger and moves to locking down when escape isn’t possible. ALICE emphasizes informing responders with real-time details to guide their actions. As a last resort, participants may need to counter a threat, and whenever possible, they are encouraged to evacuate to safety.”
Through these detailed steps, students and faculty have the skills to respond successfully and avoid incidents. However, an aspect that ALICE provides that is often overlooked is fostering a strong MSSU community, emphasized by Swift . By implementing this training in a high-stress situation, individuals can reduce their overall fear and panic and make the MSSU community feel safer. These skills can make others who have never encountered a situation like this feel better during these stressful experiences.
This November, MSSU will host five ALICE training sessions. While two dates have already passed, upcoming sessions will be held on November 12 and November 14. These sessions are open to everyone and are highly encouraged, as they help foster a safer community at MSSU. Click the link below to sign up for one of the upcoming sessions and become better informed about safety on campus.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508084FA9AC2EA7F94-52106770-mssu#/
