Security system allows ‘lockdown’ at press of a button

Grand Rapids – Grand Rapids Community College trustees have approved purchasing a new security system that officials say would let it start a lockdown with the press of a button.

School officials tell The Grand Rapids Press that in addition to the security lockdown feature the new system would let staff know if a door is open or unlocked. The school has about 400 exterior doors. Community college president Bill Pink says the school wants “to be able to do all we can to make it as safe as possible on our campuses.” The school has about 14,280 students.

Campus Police Chief Rebecca Whitman says locking down buildings will make the campus safer from internal and external threats. She says it also will prevent officers from being put at risk.