With public shootings frequently in the news, gun control laws a hot topic, and public safety a growing concern, we are left to wonder, how safe are we? This question may be prompted more now than ever. With the recent shooting at Marysville Pilchuck, school shootings are literally hitting closer to home than they have in years. With only 12 school shootings in Washington in the past 100 years, they seem to be few and far between. However, whenever one happens, Bellarmine is quick to review our security procedures and respond to the situation.

When asked how Bellarmine responded to the Marysville Pilchuck shooting, principal Cindy Davis said, “Initially we offered our prayers to the Marysville Pilchuck community. Additionally, we posted a letter on our website indicating to parents our compassion and empathy for Marysville Pilchuck and addressing our concerns.” When asked about Bellarmine’s current security practices, Davis said, “It just so happens that we are currently in the process of reviewing our security procedures. Once we have finished revising our policies and procedures, we will post a letter for our students and parents. Preparing for an active shooter is very difficult.”

Dean of Students Bill Baerg said, “Once there is an active shooter present, there is not much we can do to stop the event from beginning; therefore, our best course of action is to take preventative measures.”
According to the Ohio Department for Public Safety, 95 percent of school shooters were students, and
93 percent exhibited signs or behaviors beforehand that caused other to be concerned. One of Bellarmine’s key philosophies for preventing school shootings is to provide assistance to students in need.

Davis said, “We have counselors available to help students with not only school problems, but also with personal problems. We want to provide a safe support system to all of our students in need.” Another is to prepare extra security during all schoolevents. Campus security keeps a closer eye on our campus during liturgies and assemblies to allow for safety, and the early intervention of any possible threat.
Baerg said, “At Bellarmine, we have a lot of connections with law enforcement officials who help us to strengthen our security procedures and our responses to potentially threatening situations.” Baerg said that one of his main concerns with our campus is how large it is. With over 40 acres of property, the Bellarmine campus is quite large. Because of our large, open campus, students and faculty are encouraged to watch for people on campus, and to make sure that all visitors sign in with the office.
When asked about our response to an intruder on campus, Baerg shared the standard procedure of making it to the nearest building or classroom and getting locked somewhere safely away from windows. In the event that students are in the parking lot, they are encouraged to make what they determine to be the safest course of action. “If that means running down the hill to the medical center or getting in your car and driving off campus, do it,” said Baerg.
“We are encouraging a new procedure shared by Tacoma Law Enforcement; Run, Hide, Fight,” said Davis. Run from danger, hide if possible and safe to do so, and lastly, fight if need be.
As far as campus security goes for the future, Bellarmine will continue to have the Tacoma SWAT team inspect our campus every three years (as they have done in the past) and will look to the successes of other schools.
Davis said, “Student safety is one of the few things that keeps me awake at night, and I am committed to ensuring that we have a safe learning environment for all of our students and employees.”

More information is available in The School Shooter: A Quick Reference Guide