While students may not consider Ball State University a target for terrorist attacks, the university fits into five out of ten guidelines that make it a possible location for such a strike.
"When Homeland Security was developed, both the [Department of Homeland Security] and Delaware County did threat assessment tests regarding how probable it was for a terrorist to strike," Gene Burton, director of Ball State's Department of Public Safety, said. "Upon assessment, Ball State had five of the top ten reasons why a terrorist would be likely to hit a place. Such reasons would include being a highly-populated area. With the stadium, arena, LaFollette housing the majority of students, having a swimming pool with so much chlorine available and being near the hospital, those are why we need training in weapons of mass destruction."
Members of the Ball State University Police Department are participating in training sessions for various life-threatening situations. This training fulfills a mandate by Homeland Security.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires that all police officers in the United States receive a general training on topics related to hazardous materials, weapons of mass destruction and the National Incident Management System, an organization which works to improve emergency response and preparedness around the country.
In 2000, Ball State began emphasizing disaster preparation when Burton and other police officials from Muncie and Delaware County received training on protective measures and emergency response procedures, including exposure to live chemical and biological agents.
Burton said some university officers are also taking part in additional specialized training sessions at various locations and times of the year.
Last summer some officers went to Alabama to learn about evidence collection.
Three officers have gone through training that teaches them how to be trainers and nine officers have gone through training regarding protective measures.
Burton said the department goes through an internal selection process to determine which officers get chosen for specialized training and advanced certification from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
"We pick those officers who have the knowledge, skills and desire to want to learn," Burton said. "In essence, the people chosen are those who want to participate; it is voluntary. Because the training is through Homeland Security, the training is completely free."
Robert Fey, assistant director of Ball State's Department of Public Safety, was among 50 to 75 other people recently certified as instructors for the Department of Homeland Security.
Fey said he received training to prepare him for teaching people in law enforcement, paramedics, firefighters and first responders. Fey will participate with Homeland Security to teach others in Indiana.
"The sessions I will be teaching show officers how to take protective measures regarding weapons of mass destruction, recognize the potential of various hazardous materials and determine the safe and danger zone of the material, determine the safe distance for the public and first responders to be when faced with a hazardous situation, handle specialized equipment such as suits and masks, and much more," Fey said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
