STORY BY JONATHAN SINTORA, STAFF WRITER, AND BELLA GARCIA, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
PHOTO BY JONATHAN SINTORA
Students and staff were quick to notice several police vehicles parked at Cypress College. Given recent school shootings, students were concerned about the sudden police presence. Despite signs being placed in front of the doors of the Fine Art Building, there was no prior communication informing students of the event.
The Cypress Chronicle reached out to an officer standing outside of the Fine Arts building but they declined to comment on the situation.
Following the Buena Park Police Department’s training in the Fine Arts building yesterday, President Dr. Scott W. Thayer issued a statement offering context and promising better communication during future similar situations.
Thayer addressed the lack of information provided to staff and students prior to the training saying, “…we failed to share valuable information and recognize that such a visible police presence can cause angst for many whose immediate reaction is concern for the safety and wellbeing of others and themselves.”
Plans to conduct the training elsewhere were scrapped after discussions between the department and Cypress College Campus Safety led to the decision to utilize the Fine Arts building. The decision was made on Saturday, March 2.
In his statement, Thayer noted that the training session being held on campus was an opportunity for the college to grow a mutually beneficial relationship with our police partners.
Thayer concluded by stating that stronger communication is important in events like this. He said, “We can and we will do better in making sure you are aware of important information. This is part of being invested in a shared journey, and it is our responsibility and commitment to you.”
The Cypress Chronicle reached out to President Thayer and administration for further comment.
