The first month of the semester is nearing the end. Colleges across the nation have experienced a rise in false reports of an active shooter on campus. On August 29, three universities in Georgia experienced false reports of an active shooter on campus.
“It’s not just Georgia; they are happening all over the United States,” said Jim Andrews, Chief of Campus Police at Piedmont.
The University of Georgia alert system was activated after reports of a gunman near the main library. UGA Police reported to the scene to further investigate, determining the report was a hoax.
The University of West Georgia sent out a text alert after reports of a suspected man with a gun near the Ingram Library. The police found that it was only a hoax.
Clark Atlanta University issued a shelter-in-place after Atlanta police received a 911 call about a shooting. Atlanta police and Atlanta University Center police found no evidence of an active shooter and lifted the shelter-in-place order. There was no threat to the university.
“It is usually a call that doesn’t come into a 911 center,” said Chief Andrews. “What I’m looking for is a call that comes into campus police. Most of those that come in like that are pretty much all hoaxes.”
Chief Andrews’s priority is the safety of Piedmont University. Piedmont has many tools in place in case of an on-campus emergency. Emergency alert text messages are a way for students to receive time-sensitive messages directly on their phones. To opt-in to the emergency alert text messages, use this link: https://piedmont.omnilert.net/subscriber.php
“We are going to respond immediately. The first thing we are going to do when we get out of the car, is we are going to listen for a second to see if we hear gunshots,” said Chief Andrews. “And of course, if it’s the real deal and we hear a gunshot, then we are going in. We are going to confront the active shooter.”
Another way to receive campus safety updates is through the Piedmont app. The Piedmont app is essential to a student. Chief Andrews is active on the app, providing updates on various events and campus safety. The Piedmont app offers more than just campus safety updates; it also features many other functions.
“The main thing that I stress to everybody is, see something, say something,” said Chief Andrews. “If you see something around campus that just doesn’t look right, give us a call and let us check it out.”
Campus Police is located in the Getman-Babcock Residence Hall on the Demorest Campus. There are officers on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In case of an emergency on campus, call Campus Police at 706-939-1349 or call 911.
