Information Center: Behind the scenes

Published 1:52 am Wednesday, October 5, 2016

While students were celebrating, media groups were producing content and members of the community were watching Tuesday’s festivities unfold, a small group of dedicated employees were ensuring that campus stayed safe by monitoring social media posts related to the debate.

The group, comprised of Letterpress Communications representatives and Virginia State Police officers, worked throughout the week to ensure no suspicious posts went unnoticed.

CARSON REEHER | HERALD Sgt. Richard C. Garletts, with the Virginia State Police, monitors for suspicious social media behavior.

CARSON REEHER | HERALD
Sgt. Richard C. Garletts, public information officer with the Virginia State Police, monitors for suspicious social media behavior.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The team worked out of the Joint Information Center, located in what is typically Longwood’s Health and Wellness Center. For the duration of the debate, this space was more commonly known as the upstairs of the Media Center.

From that room, information was gathered and sent out as needed. According to Jennifer Kinne, social media manager with Letterpress Communications, there were a large number of posts being generated every minute, every second even, related to the debate, but they did not come across anything that gave cause for concern.

Additionally, both local and guest law enforcement agents worked to keep everyone safe. Agents patrolled throughout the day and well into the night. Their presence was evident throughout campus and town.

 

CARSON REEHER | HERALD Police officers congregate on Stubbs Mall during the viewing of the vice presidential debate.

CARSON REEHER | HERALD
Police officers congregate on Stubbs Mall during the viewing of the vice presidential debate.