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Critical incident drill at Draper Hall uses high tech
tools and long-standing police discipline

The popping sounds were not unlike gunfire, and students lying on the floor of the Residence Hall feigned serious injury. This was a simulation of a critical incident—a test of Sacramento State’s Emergency Notification System.

Sacramento State’s office of Public Safety coordinated a critical incident drill on Friday, April 25 at the Residence Halls. Dispatch was alerted, police were deployed and the ENS system was put into action for its first simulated emergency—an active shooter on campus. Sacramento State President Alexander Gonzalez, Police Chief Ken Barnett, staff and students took part in the exercise.

“This critical incident demonstration is just one facet of the Emergency Notification System,” said President Alexander Gonzalez. “Public Safety is a key priority and we urge all students, faculty and staff learn about ENS and take part in the text message sign-up.”

ENS automates delivery of urgent announcements in the event of a critical incident to large groups of people, such as students, faculty and staff via text messages, telephone calls and e-mail. During the simulated drill, a select group of faculty, staff and students on campus, and in the area of the training exercise, received a text message stating that an “ENS Police Emergency” test is being conducted.

The critical incident drill took place at Draper Hall at 2 p.m. and incorporated 14 student community officers, three law enforcement evaluators, three exercise coordinators, 19 sworn campus police officers and 20 volunteer role players.

“We‘re testing the system in order to exercise our new processes and ensure a seamless integration of the system in the event of an emergency,” says Public Safety Chief Ken Barnett. “The key to the success of this system will be an up-to-date database with the correct contact information for the university community.” Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to provide accurate contact information at www.csus.edu/ENS.

For more information or media assistance, contact Sacramento State’s Public Affairs office at (916) 278-6156.