Lipscomb’s security improves campus safety

Just months before the anniversary of the Covenant school shooting, Lipscomb Security is brainstorming ways to keep themselves and others safe.

Stop the Bleed first aid classes are just some of the new offerings from Lipscomb security to make the campus safer for everybody.

Lipscomb’s Captain Chris Warner will teach the safety awareness classes. Jeffrey Dale, chief of security, said, “That class basically is a situational awareness class. We’ll talk about stuff that we have here on campus, the Lipscomb Ready App, and all the services we provide. Then it’s about what do you do when you find yourself off campus?”

The class discusses topics on how to keep yourself out of dangerous situations and other services Lipscomb provides. Channing Smith, sophomore psychology major from Hendersonville, TN, said, “The Lipscomb Ready App that they have is pretty cool. You can call them to walk you from your cars. I like the measures that they have taken to make me feel safe.”

Lipscomb is offering Stop the Bleed first aid classes so that students can know what to do in critical situations. Chief Dale said, “The first aid training that is strictly ‘Stop the Bleed’. It is how to properly buy yourself time, if you ever have a traumatic point, where you’re bleeding out.” 

Stop the Bleed teaches students how to apply a tourniquet, discusses arterial wounds, and how you can bleed out in a short period of time. In the future, Lipscomb plans to provide active shooter training as well. 

Chief Dale values not only safety but also student feedback. At the end of some of these presentations, the instructors ask students for feedback. “One of the things we’ll do is ask at the end of the sessions, ‘What do you like about the class?’, ‘What can we do to improve it?’, ‘What would you like to see?’, ‘What kind of training would you like to get?’.” 

Channing Smith shares that she believes student feedback is important. “I think it’s the most important because we’re the ones experiencing some safety issues. If student feedback wasn’t a thing, then how could security get better?” Smith said. 

Lipscomb collaborates with local authorities to keep campus safe. This allows them to come to campus for events and even receive a meal from the cafeteria. This helps authorities become more familiar with the campus.

 Student workers help out occasionally by working as dispatchers and parking attendants. “So, we do hire student workers occasionally for dispatch, assisting us, and for parking attendants. So, for example, we’ve got some student workers that assist Captain Robarts, who’s over our parking. When we’ve got special events, we need multiple parking spaces reserved.” Chief Dale said.  Full-time armed guards are also allowed to work for security. Even some who are looking to further their degree, but they are not student workers. 

Chief Dale spoke about being patient with campus officers and how it takes more than just security to ensure a safe environment. “See something, say something. Most everyone I’ve encountered is happy about security in what we do. It’s a tough job. I always tell my guys we can always improve. Always be polite. You know, we’re always polite, but you have to be polite and firm.” 

Lipscomb’s community is encouraged to contact the security department regarding any safety issues. “It takes more than just us.”

Safety awareness classes and Stop the Bleed inform students with essential skills. Stop the Bleed class will be offered free of charge to students on February 12, March 5, and April 17. Students may register for these classes through their online student portal via Canvas.