For many students, feeling safe on campus is something they expect but rarely stop to think about. Behind that sense of security, however, is a coordinated system of planning, technology, training and community awareness designed to keep the campus environment safe.
David Heffer, senior director of Public Safety and Emergency Management at Kirkwood Community College, said campus safety “is built on two principles. First, safety is layered. Second, safety is shared.”
According to Heffer, campus safety involves prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Public Safety works closely with local law enforcement, first responders, counseling services and student affairs to identify potential risks and respond effectively when situations arise.
Preparedness is a major part of the strategy. The college regularly conducts drills and tests emergency notification systems to ensure they work properly during real emergencies.
“Our campus maintains a high level of preparedness across a wide range of emergency scenarios,” Heffer explained. “Preparedness is not a one-time effort. It is an ongoing process that involves planning, training, testing systems and continuous improvement.”
In addition to training and drills, Kirkwood uses technology to enhance safety. The campus has a state-of-the-art camera system that helps improve situational awareness and assists with investigations when incidents occur.
Blue light emergency phones placed around campus allow students to directly contact Public Safety with phone number 319-398-7777 if they need help.
The college also encourages students and employees to register for Rave alerts and use safety applications such as Rave Guardian and Mobilize Rescue, which allow the school to communicate quickly during emergencies.
Public safety officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Officers regularly monitor parking areas, building exteriors and pedestrian pathways, especially during evening and overnight hours.
Despite these measures, Heffer said one of the biggest safety challenges on open college campuses is maintaining awareness. “The safest campuses are not simply those with infrastructure in place,” he said. “They are campuses where students, faculty and staff understand that safety is a shared responsibility.”
He added that early reporting is critical to preventing situations from escalating. Students are encouraged to speak up if something feels wrong. “Trust your instincts,” Heffer said. “When something does not feel right, there is usually a reason.”
Students’ experiences also shape how safe the campus feels. Jeff Quewea, business administration, said he has never encountered any security issues at Kirkwood. “Everything is good so far,” Quewea said. “I’m barely here on campus except for classes. I mind my business, and the school is in a safe environment. It’s in a good city; I feel safe.” Quewea added that he is aware of campus safety resources and would use them if necessary.
Another student, Daniella Umba, majoring in business administration and management, said she also feels safe on campus, although she usually does not stay late. “It’s a good place. I feel safe. I usually see security people around,” Umba said. “Most of the time, I don’t stay too long on campus. I only come to study and go back home, but I believe everywhere is safe.”
However, Umba said she is not fully aware of all the safety resources available on campus. She appreciates the presence of security officers but believes additional security outside buildings during the day could improve safety even more.
As campus communities continue to grow and evolve, Heffer said he believes safety depends not only on infrastructure and technology but also on awareness and cooperation among everyone on campus. “Balancing openness with vigilance requires engagement from the entire campus community,” he said.
For Kirkwood students, that shared responsibility may be the most important element in maintaining the safe environment many already experience.
Categories: Feature
