Victor Kamont / Roundup
The Department of Homeland Security and the California Emergency Management Agency were at Pierce College Monday to perform a security assessment on the 426 acres that comprise the campus.
“It’s all about security on campus,” said Paul Nieman, Director of College Facilities. “Homeland Security gathered on campus today to take 360 degree pictures of the buildings, roads and land that is Pierce College; they will combine with an EV7 3 dimensional fly through to create a working model of the area.”
Nieman went on to say that this would aid the school in emergency evacuation training, as well as operational training.
“With this material, we will be able to assess our vulnerability to man made and natural disaster’s,” said Nieman. “If intruders know we’re secure, there is less chance that they will try and infiltrate our campus; students and faculty want to know they’re safe.”
Nieman requested this at a meeting at the L.A. City Emergency Operation Center earlier in the week.
He was impressed with the new structure, which is built on springs and is located within walking distance from Union Station.
The Department of Homeland Security, The California Emergency Management Agency and The Office of Emergency Services all participated in the meeting.
Brian Kieth, protective security advisor for the Los Angeles District of Homeland Security and head of the team performing the security assessment at Pierce, said the security based assessment tool (360 degree video) will help in evaluating where to place cameras to best fit the school’s needs.
“Katrina was an eye opener; we need to have an evacuation plan in place,” said Kieth. “We need 72 hours worth of food, water and shelter for people and emergency evacuation kits must be available.”
“The assessment is free, all that is required is our attendance,” said Nieman. “I believe Pierce is one of the first colleges in the [LACCD] to have this assessment.”