June NOVA Public Safety Newsletter. Police Dispatch (703) Call Us 24/7/365. #PENELOPENOVAPOLICECAT

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1 1 NOVA Public Safety Newsletter June 2018 OFFICERS MAKING ENTRY INTO THE WAC BUILDING DURING ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING IN THIS ISSUE Penelope, The NOVA Police Cat Penelope the NOVA Police Cat demonstrates how to "hide" in the "Run/Hide/Fight" active shooter response strategy. Check out the article on page 2 about NOVA Police active shooter tactical training by faculty and students who participated as role players. Check out Penelope's daily safety tips in her Instagram #PENELOPENOVAPOLICECAT Lt. Anglin Receives Valor Award On May 17 th, Lt. Delton DJ Anglin received an award from the Virginia Campus Law Enforcement Administrators organization for his extraordinary and heroic actions on August 8, At great personal risk, Lt. Anglin prevented a potential suicide on the Annandale campus. His prompt intercession, patience, sincerity, and courage were singularly responsible for saving the life of a young student. Lt. Anglin s award nomination stated his actions exemplify the core values of this institution: selfless dedication to improve the lives of NOVA community members, recognition of the potential of every individual to have a positive effect on society, compassion, and teamwork. Safety Tip From Penelope, the NOVA Police Cat Lt. Anglin Receives Valor Award Taking Students to the Hot Zone by Virginia D Antonio Hurricane Season is June 1 Nov 30 National Police Week 2018 NOVA Training Announcment Police Dispatch (703) Call Us 24/7/365 Novapolice@nvcc.edu

2 NOVA PUBLIC SAFETY NEWSLETTER 2 Lt. Anglin Receives Valor Award (Cont d) His actions serve as a reminder of the extraordinary effects we can have on others and inspire us all. Chief Dan Dusseau referred to Anglin s actions, noting the crowning achievement of any law enforcement officer s career is the opportunity to save a life. Speaking for the entire NOVA Police Department, Chief Dusseau noted how grateful and proud the department is of Lt. Anglin s heroic actions, which serve as a poignant reminder of why we have chosen public service. Dusseau noted Lt. Anglin s actions reflect great honor upon his own own bravery and professionalism, the NOVA Police Department, and the Northern Virginia Community College. From L to R: Chief David McCoy, Richmond University Police and Associate Vice President of Public Safety; Lt. DJ Anglin; Brian Moran, Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security; Ryant Washington, Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security; Major Jake Jacoby, NOVA Assistant Chief of Police

3 NOVA PUBLIC SAFETY NEWSLETTER 3 By Virginia D Antonio Taking Students to the Hot Zone: NOVA Police Active Shooter Response Training On Sunday, April 15, four Criminology students and I participated in the NOVA Police Department s annual active shooter response training, held at the Woodbridge campus. This training is designed to enhance NOVA police officers tactical skills in responding to difficult situations, such as an active shooter incident on campus and a potential hostage scenario. As a Criminology professor, I recognize the importance of getting students out of the heavy theory-laden discipline and into the real world. The invitation by NOVA police to participate in their training was one I felt could have two positive impacts on students: The first impact is one that most of us take for granted: how to stay safer on campus. Many consider college campuses to be among the safest places in the community. However, what is seldom considered is what makes it safe? Open communication between NOVA police and members of the college campus as well as trust and relationship-building are integral to improving situational awareness, which when reported can mitigate criminal activity. The words of Lt. John Weinstein, who conducted the training, resonated with me and my students, Action beats reaction. Important stuff when considering that most active shooter incidents are over within 8-10 minutes. Knowing what to do (i.e., to run, hide, and/or fight) can save lives. We were informed the prioritization that officers follow for preserving life: innocents and victims are first, first responders are second, suspects are third, and property is fourth. Knowing our lives are the highest priority to the police force should encourage us to invest in campus safety via participation, communication, and cooperation. The second impact is achieved through student observation of NOVA police officers rigorous tactical training and simulation in the active shooter scenario. In my criminology class, students learn that media shapes much of the public s perception of police. Allowing students to observe officer training shows the risks they face protecting us. We observed officers move from cold zones where there is little potential threat to warm zones (potential threat), to hot zones (immediate/direct threat). In the hot zone, quick decisions must be made, and therefore, frequent training keeps officers prepared. Given the urgent realities of a horrific scenario, officers would have to rely on training; they would have to do; not think about it. According to Weinstein, the officers objective is to end the carnage as soon as possible by converting the hunter into the hunted. Quickly, one realizes that our officers are our first line of defense and they are sworn to face head-on any deadly situation. In fact, a student commented to me, I am glad I don t have to do this. Participating as a role player in the hostage/barricade scenario was informative and fun. We were able to play the hostage, hostage taker, members of the press, and concerned parents. These roles brought the scenario to life, both for us and, more importantly, the officers and allowed us to get a glimpse of the high stakes and complexities our officers would face: Leadership, negotiation skills, authority, tactfulness, mindfulness, working together as a team, courage, and communication skills. My students and I profited from our day with NOVA officers. We got to know each other and the officers on a more personal level and increased our understanding of our role in keeping our campuses safe. After the training, my students reported having different perceptions of NOVA police officers. They came to understand NOVA officers have the same training and capabilities as local officers. The resulting increase in credibility and respect for NOVA police officers enhances safety at NOVA. NOVA Officers and student role-players

4 NOVA PUBLIC SAFETY NEWSLETTER 4 Hurricane Season is June 1 November 30 Actions Normally you wouldn t think Virginia, and especially Northern Virginia, is vulnerable to hurricanes, but hurricane damage can affect and has affected NOVA and its surrounding communities in recent years. This article highlights both pre- and post-hurricane actions you can take to stay safe. Timeline to Impact and Actions 36 hours before: Turn on your TV/radio for weather updates and emergency instructions. Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include a flashlight, fresh batteries, cash, water, and first aid supplies. Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. During disasters, if cell service is available, sending text messages is usually more reliable and faster than phone calls. Review your evacuation plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly, so plan ahead. Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes hours before: Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions. Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans) and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building hours before: Check your TV/radio or your city/county website every 30 minutes for weather updates/emergency info. Charge your cell phone battery. 6 hours before: If you re not in a recommended evacuation area, stay at home or where you are. Tell friends/family of your location. Close storm shutters and stay away from windows. Set your refrigerator/freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. After the event: Check NOVA s website to see if the College will be open. Listen to local officials for updates and instructions. Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media. Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. Watch out for debris and downed power lines. Avoid walking/driving through flood waters. Photograph property damage to assist with insurance claims.

5 NOVA PUBLIC SAFETY NEWSLETTER 5 National Police Week 2018 Each year our nation loses between law enforcement officers in the line of duty, and throughout the nation s history, more than 19,000 law enforcement officers, including 40 campus police officers (since the 1960s), have died in the line of duty. The names of these heroes are inscribed at the National Law Enforcement Memorial located at Judiciary Square in Washington D.C. National Police Week, held May 13 May 19 in Washington, D.C. draws between 25,000 to 40,000 attendees. Various activities, such as the Candlelight Vigil, the Blue Mass, the Police Unity (bicycle) Tour, and the Law (motorcycle) Ride commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities. The attendees come from departments and agencies throughout the United States and the world. Officers visiting the Police Memorial often take the opportunity to meet their fellow brothers and sisters who work in local law enforcement. Lt. John Weinstein, second row in the green T-shirt, participated in the annual Police Week Law Ride as a member of the Blue Knight Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. NOVA Officers Brian Groft and Joshua Luke from the Loudoun campus in front of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial lion statue Don t forget about emergency preparedness at the College, too. Download the free LiveSafe mobile safety app at and visit to review emergency procedures and read NOVA s Emergency Action Plan.

6 NOVA PUBLIC SAFETY NEWSLETTER 6 NOVA Training Announcement NOVA Police will resume campus-wide training in the Fall. However, we are available to respond to individual requests for training. If you would like to receive NOVA Police training, please contact Lt. John Weinstein, jweinstein@nvcc.edu Available Training Topics Staying Safe on the Streets (including Self-Defense Considerations) Alcohol Awareness/DUI Active Shooter Response Dealing with Difficult People Staying Safe in the Classroom Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Police (But Were Afraid to Ask) Human Trafficking Crimes Against Women Staying Safe While Using Uber/LYFT Identify Theft