Endicott College transitioned from an unarmed public safety department to a campus police department in the summer of 2014. The Endicott College campus safety officers, up until fall 2016, have never had a firearm by their side. It wasn't until the rise in mass shootings on campuses in the past decade that there was a legitimate threat to the campus. This according to Endicott’s police Chief Charles Femino and Captain Kerry Stokes, was a major concern for parents of students at the college and the parents of high school students who were considering attending Endicott.
Endicott began its push towards a safer campus in the summer of 2014. This type of change was not taken lightly by any of the parties involved in making the decision. After many months of research, endless meetings, and countless polls sent out into the community, the decision was finally made that Endicott was going to equip certified officers with a firearm.
“I think it’s a transition that happens and it’s a culture that’s changed. Right now we're in our second year of policing; so the last two graduating classes who didn’t know about policing have gone and the two freshman classes that have come in know nothing but policing. As the four classes graduate it's just going to be a natural thing.” Said Chief Femino. Dr. Richard Wylie, President of Endicott College embraced this movement head on. He worked alongside the campus safety department and parents to ensure a safe environment for the entire community.
Currently, Endicott has twenty-nine campus safety officers in total, twenty-two of which are fully sworn. On the one hand, many people see the addition of guns as a positive, because of the rise in school shootings . However, on the other hand, many people still do not agree with this change.
Endicott College Freshman Athletic Trainer Carlos Pastor voiced his opposing view on campus police officers carrying guns. “I don’t really feel comfortable with officers carrying guns. I don't see what they can't do with non lethal weapons so no lives could be lost, in case of a misfire or something. One misfire and those college students --18, 19 and 20 year olds, their life is gone.” Said Pastor. After that the decision was finalized, the training could begin. For the campus safety officers who were willing to accept this role as a fully sworn police officer, it was back to school. They endured many months of training at multiple police academies. They were trained in gun safety and active shooter drills as well as updating their CPR licenses and other medical protocol. These officers then had to report to campus in the summer of 2016 where active shooter training continued. This time the focus was on the college’s campus itself. The Walter. J. Manninen Center for the Arts, was the sight of Endicott’s first on-campus active shooter drill . Campus safety officers were given a scenario and had to react using their newfound skills. However, it did not stop there. Endicott has worked closely with Beverly Police Department as well.
According to Chief Femino the drill went close to perfect, and the officers responded in a timely manner and were able to subdue the shooter professionally and safely. The drill proved how effective guns on campus would be in the event of an active shooter on campus.