University police increase safety measures in wake of regional tragedy
By Jaxon Garner | Staff Writer
Augusta University police are stepping up efforts to maintain safety on campus, implementing new technology and expanding community outreach programs to protect students, faculty and staff, according to police officials.
Recent events at Apalachee High School in Winder, just over two hours from campus, where four lives were tragically lost, have reignited concerns about safety in educational environments.
“That is never going to happen here.”
It’s a common sentiment, but Captain Eric Smith of the Augusta University Police Department (AUPD) warns that such tragedies can strike anywhere. He stresses the importance of proactive measures to ensure that it doesn’t happen in our community.
New Technologies and Safety Programs
Captain Smith assures that the university police are doing everything in their power to keep the campus safe. New technology has been introduced, including centralized building access controls, which allow for swift lockdowns in the event of an emergency.
To further enhance security, the university is increasing the number of blue light emergency phones, which are direct lines to AUPD for emergencies or even something as simple as getting directions. Additionally, the police department has strengthened its presence on social media, using it to promote safety tips and share updates with the campus community.
But Captain Smith believes campus safety involves more than just visible policing.
“There is no one thing that’s going to ensure campus safety,” said Smith. “It’s like a gem, there are many facets, and you need them all working together to create the safest environment.”
Active Shooter Training and Collaboration with Local Authorities
Part of the university’s comprehensive safety plan includes offering active shooter prevention classes. Captain Smith currently teaches these hour-long classes to faculty members, providing them with critical information and strategies should they ever face an active shooter situation.
Beyond campus, AUPD works closely with local law enforcement agencies. Officers from AUPD and nearby departments regularly train together to ensure coordinated responses to emergencies. Smith noted that four AUPD officers are certified Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) instructors, and all AUPD officers, along with local law enforcement, have undergone the same rigorous ALERRT training regimen.
“ALERRT is the national standard for how police should respond to an active shooter situation,” Smith said. “This ensures that all responding officers, regardless of their agency, are aligned and can effectively work together during a crisis.”
Smith pointed out that during the response to the Apalachee High School shooting, officers from across the state, most of whom had gone through ALERRT training, collaborated seamlessly, demonstrating the importance of a unified approach.
#STRONGAugusta: Uniting the Community
Beyond police efforts, the #STRONGAugusta initiative is bringing together local agencies, the university police, and community leaders to create a shared vision for a safer Augusta. The campaign focuses on fostering unity and communication among various safety stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is on the same page when it comes to security.
Introducing the CARE Team
Another key component of the university’s safety efforts is the recently implemented CARE Team. The CARE Team identifies and addresses student well-being concerns by centralizing communication and collaborating with campus and community resources. Using a fact-based assessment process, they develop action plans to support students, reviewing urgent cases immediately and handling others during regular meetings.
“If a student is on a bad path, we want to divert them to a better path,” said Smith. “Our multidisciplinary team decides the best way to intervene and help someone before a situation escalates.”
A Call to Action: “See Something, Say Something”
Captain Smith encourages students to take an active role in campus safety by reaching out to the police department or anyone who can assist if they notice anything unusual.
“If you see something, say something,” Smith emphasized. “If you suspect that someone is heading down the wrong path, trust your instincts and act on them.”
We may not all agree on the cause of the problem, but we can all agree that there is a problem. We need to work together as a community to ensure we are taking the right steps to prevent another tragedy that occurs far too often.
Smith urges students and faculty to engage with the police department and become part of the broader solution.
“Don’t just sit back and say, ‘That’s not my problem,’” Smith said. “I want people to get involved and work with us to protect our campus.”
Contact Jaxon Garner at jaxgarner@augusta.edu
Photo: AUPD Captain, Eric Smith and AUPD K9 Charlie.
