Security on RCC Campuses

By Cindy Wilson

Should teachers and students be allowed to carry a concealed handgun, if they are legally “permitted” to do so? Medford, Oregon has recently gained national attention as representatives of two sides of a controversial gun issue square off in the courtroom. Whether or not a Medford School District teacher is legally entitled to carry a concealed weapon on campus has ignited an emotional debate between school administrators, local residents, students and parents. The disparate sides of the issue are hotly defended: a citizen’s right to legally carry a concealed weapon on one side, and the safety of the student population if guns are present in the classroom on the other. Although this issue has recently arisen locally on a high school campus, shooting incidents like the one at Virginia Tech
have left this subject lurking on the fringes of national debate. The lines are drawn between defenders of citizens’ Second Amendment rights and those fearful of an unintended consequence
with pistol packin’ teachers. This issue has generated debate, disagreement and highly emotional reactions on campuses all across the nation. Multiple incidences of school violence involving shooters entering school grounds and opening fire on defenseless students and faculty can be tracked in big cities and small towns all across America. After examining results of surveys and considering conclusions drawn by police officials, some campuses, like those in Utah and South Carolina, are changing long-standing policies regarding concealed carry. Case after documented case relates incidents in public and on campuses where rampaging teens with guns are stopped by a citizen with either a concealed handgun or quick access to a handgun retrieved from a nearby vehicle. The federal government prohibits people from having guns for self-defense in or near schools, yet has failed to provide adequate police protection to school kids and administrators. Because they are declared “gun-free zones” criminals can safely assume that schools are “soft targets” for violent intentions. A survey of convicted felons by the National Institute of Justice found that 74 percent agreed that they avoid committing crimes where victims might be armed, and nearly 70 percent knew a “colleague” who had abandoned a crime, been scared off, been shot at, wounded or captured by a would-be victim with a gun. During interviews with criminologists, incarcerated criminals admit they take into consideration the local gun laws when they decide what crimes they will commit in which communities. In the U.S., carrying a concealed weapon is the legal authorization for private citizens to carry a handgun or other weapon in public in a concealed manner, either on the person or in close proximity. Currently, 48 states allow some form of concealed carry. About half allow for some variation on non-concealed or “open carry.” In Oregon, concealed weapons permits are issued by the sheriff’s office, subject to approval through a screening process. In summary, the applicant must be 21 years of age, pass a background check, have no outstanding warrants, show verification of a gun safety training, and be a legal resident. There are about 6,500 license holders in Jackson County, according to the sheriff’s office. Other states vary in concealed carry laws and qualifications. The questions arise, are students adequately protected from violent offenders on campus and should private citizens be allowed to carry a legally obtained, concealed handgun at school? Rogue Community College’s policy regarding guns on campus is:

FIREARMS (AP-015)
No firearms, explosives, ammunition, or fireworks of any kind are permitted to be carried or used on campus except by authorized civil authorities in the discharge of their duties (see related Board Policy II.B.040 – Possession of Firearms for possible exceptions). Permitted exceptions include use in conjunction with approved instructional demonstrations or by peace officers, persons summoned by peace officers, or members of the armed forces under orders for campus safety. All exceptions must have prior approval by the president.

What security measures are in place on RCC campuses to ensure student and faculty safety? What procedures do students follow in the case of school violence, and what can they expect in the way of official protection in the case of emergency? The following is taken from the pages of the Student Handbook regarding Campus Security:

At Rogue Community College, security and safety needs are dealt with in conjunction with several agencies. For criminal activity we rely on the Grants Pass and Medford City police and the Josephine or Jackson County Sheriff departments. For on-site security the RCC Facilities Security/Safety Department is available for 24-hour immediate assistance by cell phone:
• 218-2930 in Grants Pass or Kerby
• 218-2931 in Medford (7 a.m.-11 p.m. M-F)
• 301-1101 in White City (7 a.m.-11 p.m. M-F) Emergencies
• Call 9+911 without hesitation.
• Then call Facilities to report the emergency.