West Chester and state schools received false active shooter calls amid ongoing swatting incidents; response measures implemented.
West Chester University (WCU) was one of several institutions within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education that received a report of an active shooter on Sunday. This situation, which was quickly determined to be a false alarm, has brought to light the complexities and challenges universities face regarding the rise in hoax threats, commonly referred to as “swatting.”
The report of an active shooter allegedly in the university library prompted a significant response from local law enforcement; however, WCU opted not to immediately alert its campus community. This decision has raised concerns among students who felt unsettled witnessing the police presence without corresponding communication regarding the unfolding events. A student expressed the distress caused by the apparent lack of information, emphasizing the critical need for timely notifications in potentially dangerous situations to ensure safety on campus.
Under the Clery Act, federal regulations require institutions to issue timely warnings once an immediate threat is confirmed. Laura Egan, interim associate executive director of the Clery Center, noted the importance of creating robust emergency response protocols tailored to accurately assess real threats and streamline communication with students. Given the recent spate of similar hoax calls since the start of the academic year, universities are encouraged to review and potentially revise their procedures to handle emergency notifications effectively.
Following the incident, Egan advised colleges to enhance their internal protocols to ensure that all personnel are adequately trained to discern the veracity of threats before confirming emergencies. This recommendation is particularly relevant in light of the psychological impact that repeated false alarms can have on college communities.
Among other institutions, Villanova University had previously encountered a comparable situation and promptly issued an alert to its community after receiving a fake active shooter call. Their immediate response involved collaboration with Radnor police, underscoring the importance of rapid communication in crisis situations.
In response to these threats, various universities, including Villanova and Millersville University, have initiated training programs designed to equip campus police and administration with the skills necessary to identify and respond to swatting incidents. For instance, when Millersville University received a similar report, preliminary assessments indicated signs that the call could be a hoax. Authorities conducted a thorough search, ultimately confirming that no shooter was present.
Meanwhile, Shippensburg University opted for proactive communication as well, issuing alerts and keeping the campus informed based on the visible police activity and recurring social media discussions surrounding the threat. Concerns over miscommunication and public anxiety continue to frame the discourse surrounding campus safety as institutions navigate these increasingly frequent situations.
The current climate surrounding campus safety highlights the need for universities to balance the urgency of response with the potential for fostering panic. With the understanding that false threats are on the rise, institutions must aim to establish effective communication strategies that prioritize student safety while avoiding unnecessary alarm.
