Incident Response | EMBCP

5.2.2 Campus Disturbance or Demonstration

Policy

Generally, peaceful, non-obstructive demonstrations should not be interrupted. Demonstrators should not be obstructed or provoked and efforts should be made to conduct College business normally.

General Guidance

A student demonstration should not be disrupted unless one or more of the following conditions exist as a result of the demonstration:

• Interference with normal operations of the College
• Prevention of access to office, building, or other College facilities
• Threat of physical harm to people
• Threat or actual damage to College property

If any of these conditions exist, the Incident Commander with assistance from Security will ask the demonstrators to terminate the disruptive activity and inform them that failure to discontinue the specified action will result in disciplinary action and intervention by civil authorities. If the disruptive activity does not cease immediately, local civil authorities should be called for assistance.

If demonstrators are asked to leave, but refuse to leave by regular facility closing time:

• Arrangements should be made for Security to closely monitor the situation during non-business hours, or
• A decision will be made to treat the violation of regular closing hours as a disruptive demonstration.

• If there is an immediate threat of bodily harm or damage to property, Security will dial 911 for assistance and contact the Incident Commander with an update of the situation.
• The local emergency services authorities will notify the College when normal operations can resume.

Safety and security of innocent bystanders or occupants are the primary concerns.

Civil Disturbance – On Campus

Peaceful Demonstration

• Expected Impact
  • General distraction
• Expected Consequences
  • Some disruption of College activities possible
  • Escalation possible
• Suggested Action Steps
  • EMBCP may not be activated
  • IRT contacted
  • EMT notified
  • Situation monitored closely
  • Most Critical Plans / Resources:
    • Security
    • Public Relations
    • Student Services

Violent Demonstration

• Expected Impact
  • General panic.
  • Injuries possible.
  • Physical damage possible.
• Expected Consequences
  • College activities closed until the situation stabilizes.
  • Law suits.
  • Serious PR exposure.
• Suggested Action Steps
  • EMBCP activated
  • IRT contacted
  • EMT notified
  • Activate the EOC
  • Campus closed
  • Security is instructed to disperse the demonstrators
  • All entrances closed
  • Most Critical Plans / Resources:
    • Security
    • Public Relations
    • Student Services

Civil Disturbance – Off Campus

Peaceful Demonstration

• Expected Impact
  • Little if any impact
• Expected Consequences
  • College activities unaffected
  • Could spread to campus.
• Suggested Action Steps
  • EMBCP not activated
  • IRT not contacted
  • EMT may be notified
  • Situation monitored closely
  • Most Critical Plans / Resources:
    • Security

Violent Demonstration

• Expected Impact
  • Serious distraction.
• Expected Consequences
  • College activities may be affected.
  • Could spread to campus.
• Suggested Action Steps
  • EMBCP activated
  • IRT contacted
  • EMT notified
  • The EOC may be activated
  • All entrances monitored
  • Is this the type of political demonstration that could spread to campus? If so, consider closing the Campus.
  • Situation monitored closely
  • Individuals leaving the Campus are routed out of harm’s way.
  • Most Critical Plans / Resources:
    • Security
    • Public Relations
    • Student Services