The horrific events last weekend in Norway are a reminder to those of us entrusted with the care of young people that we must be ever-diligent in our safety efforts. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, families and entire country of Norway. Student safety and the safety of other campus guests are top priorities at Interlochen.
In the past few years, Interlochen made significant investments in campus safety, security and awareness. A law enforcement professional with many years of police force experience, Julie Houser, heads a team of trained professionals, providing response and assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The camp life division staff is also trained in camp emergency procedures and they play a supervisory role across the campus. We restrict access to the residence areas, but as a national cultural destination our 1200 acre campus area is open, and we have many people visit the main mall area, rehearsals and performances - parents, tourists, concert attendees etc. Many campus access roads are gated at all times and others are gated during certain times of the day and always at night, restricting vehicle access onto campus to one entrance.
During major concert events we have a contract with the Michigan State Police who park at the front entrance for traffic control, and MSP officers patrol the grounds around the venue during major events.
Our multiple emergency alert systems - public address system, phone system alert, cell, email and text - throughout campus have been regularly tested and used for drills. These systems are part of an extensive emergency plan that has been developed in cooperation with the Michigan State Police, Grand Traverse County Sheriff's office, and the Federal Department of Homeland Security, a plan that is routinely reviewed and updated.
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