Brown University VP of Public Safety on Leave Amid Federal Shooting Probe
Brown University has placed its Vice President for Public Safety, Rodney Chatman, on administrative leave. This decision follows an internal review of a tragic shooting that occurred earlier this month, resulting in two student fatalities and nine injuries. The announcement came from Brown President Christina Paxson, citing the necessity of a thorough assessment of the incident.
Interim Leadership and Review Process
In Rodney Chatman’s absence, former Providence Police Chief, Hugh T. Clements, will serve as the interim chief. He will also oversee the after-action review that is crucial for the university’s recovery process.
President Paxson emphasized the significance of this review. “A thorough After-Action Review is an essential part of any recovery and response following a mass casualty event,” she stated. The administration is working diligently on enhancing security protocols across the campus to address safety concerns expressed by the university community.
Department of Education Involvement
In a related development, the U.S. Department of Education announced it would investigate whether Brown violated the Clery Act. This law mandates compliance with campus safety regulations to qualify for federal student aid. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon asserted the administration’s commitment to enforcing student safety across all educational institutions.
Hospitalizations and Community Healing
As of now, most of the injured individuals have been released from medical care. President Paxson stressed the university’s focus on the psychological and social health of its community members during this challenging time.
Legal Counsel Retained
Furthermore, Brown University has engaged former federal prosecutor Zachary Cunha to facilitate communication with law enforcement agencies. This step aims to bolster the university’s response and ensure all necessary protocols are followed.
Campus Security Measures
Following the shooting incident on December 13, questions arose regarding the adequacy of the university’s security measures and emergency protocols. Brown has an extensive network of over 1,200 security cameras, although coverage is not comprehensive across all buildings and areas. Notably, the doors to the engineering building where the shooting occurred were unlocked at the time of the incident.
President Paxson highlighted that the university operates two security systems during emergencies. One system promptly contacted over 20,000 individuals to inform them of the situation, while the other is utilized in broader emergency scenarios. However, sirens are not activated during active shooting incidents to prevent panic.
Conclusion
As Brown University navigates this crisis, the institution is committed to fostering a secure learning environment. The ongoing investigations and reviews aim to improve safety measures and address the pressing concerns of the university community.
