Safety on the University of Missouri campus

After a horrific shooting on a community college campus in Oregon, some students at MU told ABC 17 News they’re on edge.

The University of Missouri police department said campus safety is of utmost importance and that no college campus is immune to crime.

“We have a very safe campus, but we know that crimes can and still do happen, so that’s why we need people to be aware at all times,” said Major Brian Weimer with MUPD.

MUPD puts on a Citizens Response to Active Threats (CRATS) course several times a year at the request of groups in the community.

Weimer said the course helps prepare people for all kinds of situations at school, in the workplace or any public setting.

“It’s a great class that’s available to members of our community,” Weimer said. “It’s important that everyone has a plan in their head, so for instance, when you’re sitting in classes, know where the exits are. If you hear something you think is gunshots, be thinking of what you’re going to do so that if something happens, you’ve already kind of thought it out.”

He said coming up with these types of plans is covered in the course.

“If you can’t get away, then perhaps you’re going to have to barricade yourself into an area and if that’s not going to work, some things you can do to fight and survive,” Weimer said.

Anyone interested in the CRAT course can sign up here.