UCLA Shooting Spurs Questions Of Institutional Vulnerabilities From Local Counterterrorism Expert
Just like preparation for fire, earthquakes and other natural disasters, it is time for institutions who are thinking “It probably won’t happen here,” to have a good vulnerability assessment. Why not improve the security and the safety of the student body?” asks Robert H. Sholly. How about a good old-fashioned renovation with long, dead bolts and a reinforced 12-inch striker plate? Or some other effective locking device? Sure, that will be expensive, but consider the potential life-saving?
On June 1, 2016, a shooter ran through the UCLA campus to gun down a professor and then turned the gun on himself after previously shooting his wife earlier in the day. Local counterterrorism expert, Robert H. Sholly, questions if institutions are giving proper priority to security vulnerabilities.
To people that sound the alarm about American complacency, the UCLA shooting is just another example of institutions betting that a shooting incident or terrorist event won’t happen on their campus.
It is interesting to note that administrative officials often put budgets ahead of security items based upon the, “It probably won’t happen here” mentality. Then, after something does happen, the thought process becomes, “Lightning doesn’t strike twice” and improvements never happen.
There have been discussions about college security since 2007 and Virginia Tech. Some universities recognized their responsibilities and upgraded their buildings, but others have delayed because of fear of criminals locking doors and perpetrating misdeeds without fear of interruption.
"In my opinion, safety of people is more important than anything else.”
Sholly lived approximately 20 years in cultures where terrorism is a common occurrence and understands the use of “fear” as a tactic for influencing actions and activities. Sholly has almost 45 years of counterterrorism training and experience while serving in the military and is a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate 1988 as a member of the UN Peacekeeping Forces.
Robert H. Sholly gives speeches nationwide regarding national and domestic counterterrorism and performs security assessments. He is available to speak on security topics that range from Violence in the Workplace, Public Places and Home, to Security, The Unavoidable Necessity – Guard Your Organization and Family with Personal Safety Measures for Uncertain Times. Visit www.RobertHSholly.com for Robert H. Sholly’s biography or call 281-482-8887 to book a presentation or security assessment.
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- Robert H. Sholly
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