FSW enhances safety measures as new school security law takes effect

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) is bolstering campus safety with over 600 cameras capable of detecting firearms and other security protocols, aligning with new safety measures signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“There should be no shootings in general. But even elementary schools get shooters. I mean, it's, there's, they don't discriminate,” said Brock Poling, a nursing student at FSW.

Poling, who aspires to be a psychiatric nurse practitioner, highlighted the importance of mental health resources for students.

"I think it's very good that we are now getting the affirmation and resources that we do need as college students,” Poling said.

FSW has been working for years to ensure campus security, investing in technology and mental health initiatives.

“We've bolstered our mental health here at the college. We've not only outsourced some of the counseling, but we also have a threat management system that's very proactive as opposed to being reactive,” said FSW Police Chief Jerry Connolly.

The new Florida law creates a second-degree felony charge for discharging a weapon or firearm within 1,000 feet of a school. It also allows schools without police agencies to train and arm faculty and staff.

FSW, which has its own police agency, will not permit faculty and non-student employees to carry firearms. However, the college will comply with other requirements in the legislation, such as developing active shooter response plans.

The house bill is designed to enhance campus safety and will require schools to develop plans for an active shooter and other safety risks, including family reunification procedures.

“I mean, I definitely feel safe, like I said, because it's not super common. Not only that, we do have, you know, police right on campus,” Poling said.

We reached out to Florida Gulf Coast University to provide a comment. They stated that it is coordinating with the State University System of Florida to implement the new safety measures.

The state has not yet provided a timeline for when these measures must be fully implemented.

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