New campus-wide alert system up and running

Having passed an April test run, a new security system is up and running on the ARC campus.

The Los Rios Alert System (LRAS), also know as the advanced warning system, has been in the works for over a year.

"This is the first measure," said Stephen Peithman, ARC's public information officer, "one piece in keeping our people safe."

Last month's test simulated an evacuation alert that would be used in case of toxic spills and the type of active shooter scenarios that have unfolded on campuses across the nation. The alerts would instruct the campus population to take shelter, get off campus, or otherwise be aware on a developing danger.

In any of these circumstances the system is programmed to send messages within five to 10 minutes,  depending on which method is chosen.

During the test, everyone with a listed cell phone received a text from Los Rios ALERT saying "this is only a test" and that in case of an actual campus emergency, information to protect your safety would be provided. The message was also sent to voicemails and emails, depending on the information each person provided.

Students provide that information when they register online for classes, filling out a "contact information box" that will prompt you through the update process for your contact details. The most important question is "to which phone number do you want a message to be sent?"

If students, faculty, and staff do not provide correct contact information, they will not be able to receive warnings from the LRAS system.

Campus crime statistics are slightly down this school year, but exact numbers were not available for an in-depth comparison.

Meanwhile, the key to crime prevention remains personal awareness, according to school officials.

According to the ARC Police Captain Chris Day, crime is a variable and difficult to control. But by being aware of the tips to prevent crime and what to do when you suspect a crime or feel endangered can be controlled.


The case of Letisha Garcia and her stolen car stereo is a good example of the difference this kind of awareness can make.

"My car stereo was stolen in spring semester of 2008; I gave a report and that was the end of the investigation," said Garcia, a continuing student at ARC.

Common complaints in such cases are why aren't there more parking lot cameras or more police patrols and officer-student communications?

But two years after her stereo was stolen, Garcia said, "Since my car was broken into, I keep personal precautions."

When there are incidents, however, students should be aware of the tall blue poles located in "hot spot" locations which have emergency buttons that should be used for any situation where a student feels endangered.

Officer C. Burnett demonstrated how the system works. When a person pushes the button, the call goes straight to Sacramento City College, where the dispatcher routes the call back to ARC.  In case of a true emergency, "I would be here in a minute or so," said Burnett.