SAVANNAH, Ga. ()– College students are back on campus and heads of campus security at both Georgia Southern University (GSU) and Savannah State University (SSU) have worked to ensure their students stay safe.

Officials at both campuses have stepped up security measures and protocols. They have participated in training that included information on what to do in an active shooter incident.

“Prior to fall semester, Georgia Southern University took a concerted effort to be prepared,” GSU Chief of Police Trey Drawdy said. “We have engaged in tabletop exercises with university leadership.  We recently trained with our local, state and federal partners through active shooter incident management training, which involve fire, EMS and law enforcement and emergency managers, communications dispatchers.  Then a part of that, we launched an education campaign amongst the student body.”

SSU Chief of Police Clarella Thomas also went through training recently, which included an active shooter protocol. She said throughout her years of experience she has noticed active shooter protocols being talked about more frequently.

“These active shooter incidents, it’s very unfortunate that we have to continue to see this,” Thomas said. “As we move forward day to day, we’re constantly looking at how we can evaluate what we’re doing, whether it’s gate security or staffing needs.”

GSU and SSU said they will continue to work on building a relationship between their students and law enforcement. They believe this helps create an environment where students feel more comfortable speaking up.

Both universities have apps they encourage every student to download on their mobile devices.

GSU’s app is called LiveSafe. It allows students to have real-time interactions with public safety and receive safety notifications.

SSU’s is called Everbridge. The app gives students safety notifications such as urgent situations or campus closures.