New Jersey - Following an announcement that a high school in East Brunswick will start employing armed guards, Montclair State University Police are embracing a different form of protection – prevention. The officers are holding regular drills and keep an eye on “red flag” students through constant communication and the utilization of a strategic CARE Team.

The team consists of a group of university administrators who regularly meet to address any concerns they have regarding the students referred to them. Standing for Crisis, Assessment, Response, and Education, these individuals are trained to provide individualized care and attention. They gather information, determine how they should approach students, and develop a plan of action.

The administrators then connect with referred students via email, text, and check-ins to maintain open communication and establish a social network around them.

“We want to do more than identify students of concern,” Captain Kieran Barrett said. “We really want to connect with these students and stay in contact with them.”

It was reported that Nikolas Cruz, the 19-year-old who killed 17 students at a Florida school on Feb. 14, had been expelled prior to his rampage. He was an outcast in his society and seemingly left to his own devices. Montclair State Police hope to catch cases like Cruz’s before they escalate to disastrous levels. The CARE Team provides counseling along with a network of administrators who give students a feeling of belonging.

“We don’t want any disappointed students coming back upset,” Barrett said. “We want to help them while they are here.”

This support system has been in action for some time but may be put into action more often in the wake of the school shooting in Florida on Feb. 14. That should take some of the pressure off of the Text Tip Program, where students can anonymously report directly to the University Police.

“Every day we get notifications and tips,” Barrett said. “The students here are very upfront with their concerns.”

On campus, students themselves agree with the university’s decision to choose prevention over more invasive methods, like armed guards or teachers.

“I would be so uncomfortable if I were surrounded by guns all day,” said Sen Raines, a freshman at Montclair State. “There must be a better way to protect students.”

In addition to these systems, Montclair State Police communicate with local authorities for support, and hold routine drills in case the worst should happen.

“All of our officers are trained according to state mandates, and we have strong connections with four local police offices,” Barrett said. “I am confident that we would maintain control in an emergency situation.”