Va. Tech shooting internal reviews aired

BLACKSBURG, Va., Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Physical and emotional security, and on- and off-campus communications are among recommendations of internal reviews of the April shootings at Virginia Tech.

Three review panels issued their reports Wednesday, offering tactical and strategic recommendations in their study of the campus' response to the April 16 tragedy when Cho Seung-hui killed 32 people before shooting himself, the Blacksburg, Va., school said on its Web site.

In his charge Virginia Tech President Charles Steger directed the reviews "to look at strengths and weaknesses of our existing systems/infrastructure and how they may be improved ..."

The Security Infrastructure Group examined the university’s security systems. It recommended enhancements in physical infrastructure, emergency communications, emergency preparedness and selected protocols.

The Information and Communications Infrastructure Group analyzed and inventoried the communication infrastructure and information systems used during the crisis. This group recommended a fully integrated digital campus architecture for all telecommunications functions and making specific research and administrative material available to first responders.

The Interface Group evaluated relationships between the university’s student counseling services, academic affairs, judicial affairs and the legal system. Besides improving communications, the panel recommended developing strategies for identifying and supporting at-risk students.