Stylus Publishing (VA) College in the Crosshairs: An Administrative Perspective on Prevention of Gun Violence (An ACPA Co-Publication)

Review College in the Crosshairs provides a truly interdisciplinary analysis of phenomena that were once thought of as primarily police responsibilities. As you read this book, prepare to enter the world of the frontlines gun violence, campus safety and wellness through the candid voices of the individuals who manage critical operational issues 24/7, 365. The book is not only edifying for those wish to learn more about weapons issues but is also an indispensable resource for experts in the field. Most of all the book is deeply inspirational, reminding us that the most powerful weapons against violence are the weapons of peace--education, science, compassion, forgiveness, and courage.--Peter F. Lake, Professor of Law, Charles A. Dana Chair, and Director of the Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law and Policy (9/1/2015 12:00:00 AM)"Campus violence is a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon. Campus safety then, requires a proactive and collaborative approach, supported by effective leadership and on-going commitment. Herein, Hemphill and LaBanc provide an exceptional framework for addressing campus violence through a range of complementary and collaborative strategies involving public policy, institutional services, and personal commitment. Contributors to this work offer powerful insights regarding strategies to enhance prevention and mitigation of risk, emergency planning and preparation, response to critical incidents, and community recovery. This is a 'must read' for campus administrators and everyone who is invested in the safety and well-being of our campuses."--Gene Deisinger, Managing Partner (8/1/2015 12:00:00 AM)"NASPA and ACPA remain steadfast in our shared focus to provide practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to establish and maintain safe campus environments that are proactive against the threat of devastating violence. Throughout this book, the authors present ideas and practical examples to help campus administrators achieve this end. Because preventing campus homicide and gun violence is an enormous, complex, and critical responsibility placed upon our collective shoulders, sharing knowledge with the higher education community that will build upon our knowledge and understanding is essential. We hope this resource is helpful as you envision the next steps of your campus' ongoing and evolving effort to prevent and end this violence."--Kevin Kruger, President, NASPA and Cynthia Love, Executive Director, ACPA Product Description Gun violence – whether rampage shootings, homicides or suicides – is a potential reality all campuses have to face. This book provides leaders in higher education – and particularly those in student affairs – with data about past incidents, an analysis of trends, and background on the national debate about gun policies and how they impact colleges, state by state. It importantly raises issues about student psychological development, mental health, and the prevalence of alcohol and substance abuse on campus, to better inform discussion about allowing guns on campus and concealed carry. It concludes by sharing strategies for averting gun-related tragedies, and offering models for responding when they occur, based on lessons learned and best practices.The extensive opening analysis of the campus shooting deaths in recent years both provides a trend line and a means to categorize them according to motive, underlying factors such as mental health or alcohol abuse, types of arms used, and whether the perpetrators were associated with the institution. The book addresses concealed carry legislation and its impact on campus policies by state, examining the concerns of administrators as they discharge their duty of care to students and comply with legal and regulatory frameworks. Asking “Are our students developmentally ready to make a morally sophisticated, life-changing decision to use firearms in response to a real or perceived threat?”, it offers important per