Monday, April 16, 2007

Criticism of Virginia Tech Security Response

In regard to the horrible events that occurred today at Virginia Tech, I wanted to share a few observations. While the investigation is still underway and the details of the tragedy are still largely unknown, some in the press have started the arm-chair quaterbacking routine.
There are so many experts being called and quoted that will point out everything that the security team did wrong. As the news at this moment describe two separate shooting incidents and much of the criticism has focused on the warnings provided to students after the first attack, the lack of a lock-down response and the ensuing investigation.
Every emergency situation can be handled better after given the time and respite for reflection. Emergency and crisis planning is crucial and as the details of the incident unfold, there will be mistakes identified. But if we are to assign blame, it falls squarely on the individual who allegedly chose to avoid responsibility by killing himself.
It is this knee-jerk response to find fault and for the appetite of the press to find people who want to distinguish themselves as "experts", that we criticize those who were trying their best, using the resource and knowledge they had at the time, to save lives. I pray that there are no lawsuits that spawn from this tragedy.