Campus Protest: Preparing for Unrest, Riots?

CHICAGO -- Like never before, college campuses across the country are dealing with anti-Israel protests with the potential to devolve into civil disturbance, defined by FEMA as “an activity such as a demonstration, riot, or strike that disrupts a community and requires intervention to maintain public safety.”

Protests, such as those currently happening on campus across the country have the potential to impact the physical security of a facility as well as the safety of those who may be inside it, to include employers, employees, visitors and guests.

The Secure Community Network, which works with law enforcement and other organizations to provide best practices for security, says preparing for any type of crisis or emergency is a shared responsibility within an organization. “Preparedness efforts can greatly reduce the risks of incidents for your organization.”

The below checklist has been developed to assist organizations in preparing for potential civil disturbances.

Physical Security
• Survey and remove loose items from the surrounding area that can be used as projectiles.
• Remove all trash cans, construction cones and other debris (tables, chairs, signs, etc.).
• Empty and lock dumpsters.
• Ensure security systems, to include alarms and cameras (if applicable), are operational and doors and windows are secure.
• Inspect fire extinguishers to ensure they are in working condition and readily available.
• Ensure all window shades and curtains are closed.

Operational Procedures
• Notify relevant individuals of changes in work schedules and/or closures.
• Based on local conditions, and if warranted, close facility or telework.
• Review access control policy; limit guests or visitors, if warranted.
• Update local, state and federal law enforcement points of contact.
• Update internal communications list.
• Update emergency vendor contacts.

Security Personnel
• Based on local conditions, and if warranted, be prepared for additional security presence.
• Be prepared to call law enforcement (9-1-1) in the event of violence or civil unrest.
• Be prepared for early dismissal and evacuation.
• Be prepared to shelter in place.

Protest Preparedness
• Do not engage with protesters especially when entering or leaving your facility.
• Plan and discuss with your staff what actions to take during the protest.
• Avoid counter-protests or educational events at the same location as, or close to, the protest as they may spark avoidable conflict.
• Be prepared to walk past or avoid protesters if returning to your facility.
• Ensure policies effectively respect First Amendment rights.

For more, go to https://www.securecommunitynetwork.org/

Secure Community Network is the largest Jewish security organization in North America, working with hundreds of synagogues to provide safety guidance and threat intelligence. SCN liaises with law enforcement and other organizations to provide best practices for Jewish communal security.

In emergency, call DutyDesk@SecureCommunityNetwork.org 844.SCN.DESK l @Official_SCN f Secure Community Network SECURECOMMUNITYNETWORK.ORG

To report a threat or incident, please contact: Call the SCN Duty Desk at 844.SCN.DESK
or email DutyDesk@SecureCommunityNetwork.org.