There have been 95 school shootings in the United States since December 2012. Yes, this number is staggering but what does it mean? 

Since the shootings, there has been almost no movement in gun laws in the country. Even with the most recent shooting in Oregon, and the comments President Obama had on the matter, the drive to change laws has stalled.

Given these recent incidents, the question arises: is Williston a safe place?                                                                                                                        

These topics were explored in a conversation with director of security, Anne O’Connor. 

In response to the topic of recent shootings, Ms. O’Connor says, “The recent incidents in schools and college campuses across the nation has a direct impact on Williston, as it should with every school or college. These incidents have prompted the increase in personal safety and campus security among schools and colleges across the nation. The saying ‘Hope for the best but prepare for the worst’ sums up how most Security personnel train and plan for each and every day.”

 Ms. O’Connor and other security staff take their job very seriously and ensure that they follow the news and react accordingly.

When asked about security protocol specifically at Williston, O’Connor says, “Every detail of each protocol put forth is important. Williston’s Security officers not only need to know the Student Handbook thoroughly but they also have to be knowledgeable in Massachusetts General Laws, such as trespassing, and departmental protocols.” With an emphasis on making sure the protocol is as streamlined as possible, the security team is very detail oriented.

Even with all this preparation, there are some challenges with protecting a campus like Williston which were highlighted. Ms. O’Conner reports, “Protecting a school like Williston is a challenging endeavor. Unlike most high schools, which are comprised of one main building on a few acres, Williston includes multiple buildings on over 100 acres. Our school is more like a college [campus] than a high school [one building]. In addition, Williston is situated in the midst of the city of Easthampton and has a community bike path that runs along the campus, both of which present pros and cons to our Security Department.”

The distinction between Williston and other campuses is profound and the security team makes an effort to cover all areas thoroughly and efficiently.

When speaking about why Williston is a safe place, O’Connor notes, “I absolutely consider Williston to be a safe place. Our Security Team is expanding in both numbers and knowledge. We have security coverage 24/7 when students are on campus. Less than three years ago the Security Team consisted of five officers with limited training. The current team consists of eight officers who are certified in First Aid, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray and defensive tactics. Training the officers is one step in making Williston a safer place.”

Ms. O’Conner spoke about security measures, specifically and the goals for the security department. She says, “The campus has also seen other safety changes, such as an emergency notification system that includes outdoor sirens, card-access to doors in another dormitory on campus, and dormitory emergency kits. I am confident that Williston will continue to provide a safe and secure environment for our students and staff to learn and work. The ultimate goal is to have Williston Northampton School emerge as having the finest security protocols and staff among our peers. This goal may take time but we are making progress each and every day.”

Williston also has a working relationship with the local authorities. Ms. O’Conner notes that it is beneficial to our school that the Easthampton Police and Fire Departments are in such close proximity to our campus.

The professionalism and preparation of Director of Security Anne O’Connor is something to be appreciated and admired. Williston is in good hands.