Governor's April 16 Report Details Findings, Makes Recommendations

Investigators in Richmond released an in-depth report on the events of April 16. The report included a detailed appendix that told the public exactly what happened as well as key findings and over 70 recommendations.

After the attacks on campus a panel was created with cooperation from Gov. Tim Kaine, to “provide an independent, thorough, and objective incident review of this tragic event, including a review of educational laws, policies and institutions, the public safety and health care procedures and responses, and the mental health delivery system,” according to the panel’s mission statement on Kaine’s website.

Col. Gerald Massengill chaired the panel. Massengill is the retired Virginia State Police superintendent, who led the state’s law enforcement team during the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

The report unveiled that Cho had a history of mental health beginning at his childhood. His motives, however, are still unknown.

Some of the recommendations made by the panel call for change, not only by the university, but also the state, on topics such as better mental health care.

In the summary of their key findings, the panel pointed out more cons than pros of how April 16 was handled. Some key points under both positions are listed below along with some recommendations.

For a full report and audio visit Gov. Tim Kaine’s website at http://www.governor.virginia.gov/TempContent/techPanelReport.cfm

For video of the Panel visit www.wdbj7.com for the full broadcast.

Pros

• VT police, VT rescue squad, Blacksburg police, and Blacksburg rescue squad all responded quickly to the shootings in West Ambler Johnston, and the effort was well coordinated.
• The response to Norris Hall was effective and quick, as was the triage and evacuation of the wounded
• Emergency medical care was provided immediately and efficiently both on campus and hospitals.

Cons

• Many individuals/departments knew of Cho’s history but did not take action. ““No one knew all the information and no one connected all the dots.”
• Virginia’s mental health laws are flawed and services for mental health users are inadequate.
• The VT Police Department should have issued a campus-wide notification that two had been killed and to proceed with caution.
• Communication of correct information to hospitals receiving the wounded and injured was deficient in the beginning. An emergency command center at VT could have improved communication.
• The family assistance center at The Inn at Virginia Tech fell short of helping families due to lack of leadership and lack of coordination

Recommendations

• Establish a Threat Assessment team
• Report all aberrant, dangerous, or threatening behavior
• Privacy Policy be revised as well as amendments to FERPA
• Gun policies on campus should be solidified, and firearms banned on campus grounds and in buildings unless mandated by the law.
• In the beginning of an investigation, police should not focus on one theory and only communicate it to the decision makers