Statewide Active Threat Preparedness Initiative

This project represents a significant statewide effort led by the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, initiated at the direction of the Governor of the State of Rhode Island, following two recent shooting events within the state. Recognizing the need to strengthen preparedness, coordination, and response capabilities across higher education institutions, this initiative brings together leadership from state government, public safety, the RI Air National Guard, the RI Department of Health, the RI Emergency Management Agency, the RI State Police, Non-Government Organizations, Behavioral Health, and academic institutions to proactively address active threat risks.

At the Governor's direction and the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, Jensen Hughes is supporting the development and execution of a comprehensive active threat preparedness program for Rhode Island’s colleges and universities. The effort began with a high-level Pre-Exercise Planning Workshop that convened key stakeholders, including representatives from the Governor’s office, state agencies, campus leadership, and law enforcement. This collaborative approach ensures alignment with state frameworks while incorporating institution-specific plans and operational realities.

The program is designed to move beyond policy review and focus on real-world application. Through a series of structured tabletop exercises, participating institutions will evaluate their ability to respond to complex, rapidly evolving active threat scenarios. The exercises emphasize critical areas such as decision-making under pressure, communication across agencies, coordination with law enforcement, and continuity of operations.

A key strength of this initiative is its statewide scope paired with institution-level engagement. Each college and university is empowered to assess its own plans while contributing to a broader understanding of system-wide capabilities and gaps. The outcome will include both individual after-action insights and a consolidated statewide improvement strategy to enhance readiness across Rhode Island’s higher education system.

The above photo captures a pivotal moment in this effort, bringing together leadership from Jensen Hughes, the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, and the Governor of the State of Rhode Island. It reflects the level of commitment and collaboration driving this initiative forward demonstrating a unified approach to improving safety, preparedness, and resilience across the state.