Safety is defined as the condition of being protected, and with there being multiple incidents happening on and around Cerritos College, the question begs if the home of the falcons is protected enough.

With recent shootings near campus and reports of stolen property like bikes and cell phones, safety alerts have be released numerous times this semester, but there have been concerns about the actual response time for alerts.

For President Jose Fierro and Chief of Campus Police Tom Gallivan, it is about keeping the campus safe and ensuring that any potential harm and danger be told to students correctly.

Fierro explained that the alarms should be released in a timely manner, but also not be excessively used.

“We want to make sure that the ones that are out (alarms), are actually relevant,” Fierro said.

He went on to explain a new protocol about safety alarms and how many people have access to sending the alarm.

“We (certain faculty) got trained, I got trained as well, so we have more people now able to send them, so the delay should be less,” he said.

The new protocol emphasizes that not everything will receive an alarm, as it has to be a direct threat to the campus.

In addition to the updated alarm system, the school will have to wait for the chair of department to ensure that misinformation is not being sent out.

In regards to the safety alarms, and safety in general, Gallivan offered some instructions to stay safe on campus, particularly in the evening.

“Students should be aware of their surroundings and put their phone down when walking, […], they should walk in groups and pairs at night,” he said.

Active shootings, natural disasters and any from of violence are among the dangers that will require the campus to notify the students.

Dr. Fierro included that Cerritos College will look to increase the spotlights around campus, as well as having more security cameras around.

If students feel unsafe they can call campus police and ask to be escorted to their car by a cadet or an officer.