NSHE highlights bolstered security in wake of UNLV shooting

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (KOLO) – The Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents is highlighting security improvements made in the wake of the deadly 2023 shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

They received a report on the progress of the Chancellor’s ad hoc Committee on Public Safety during its recent meeting.

NSHE says the committee’s most notable achievement has been the securing of $2.6 million from the Legislative Interim Finance Committee to bolster security across southern Nevada institutions of higher education.

“We are incredibly grateful to the legislature for prioritizing campus safety within the NSHE system by dedicating $2.6 million in funding,” said Interim Chancellor Patricia Charlton. “Ensuring that every student, staff, and faculty member feels safe and secure on our campuses is of utmost importance. Additional funding and the diligent work of the committee are instrumental in accomplishing this goal. Thank you to everyone involved.”

The committee was created to assess and prioritize opportunities for enhancing campus security and emergency preparedness in the wake of the Dec. 6 shooting.

The committee says it has also made $4.4 million in budget and grant requests. Those requests were for:

• 911 enhancements
• Full-scale exercises
• Procedures for active assailant events
• Additional cameras installation
• Funding requests to restore the learning environment at UNLV

Furthermore, the committee will present 15 preliminary recommendations, including:

• Standardizing locking mechanisms for all NSHE buildings
• Implementing a system-wide emergency notification system
• Mandating active assailant and all-hazards training for all stakeholders
• Standardizing Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) and Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) across NSHE campuses

“The work of the Chancellor’s ad hoc Committee for Public Safety is vitally important at this moment. We were all rocked by the tragic events that took place on December 6 and I am extremely appreciative for the committee’s comprehensive approach to addressing safety concerns and implementing proactive measures at our institutions,” said Board of Regents Chair Amy J. Carvalho.

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