Welcome to the Center of Excellence for Homeland Security

The Center of Excellence (COE) for Homeland Security at Pierce College is a coalition of all 34 Washington State Community and Technical Colleges plus public agencies, private sector organization and communities. The Center facilitates and coordinate homeland security initiatives and provides access or delivers education and training to prepare a skilled workforce to maintain our national security and serves as a liaison with business and industry to the college's faculty and administration. The Center works directly with the State Community and Technical College Safety, Security and Emergency Management Professionals (SSEMP) to apply state and national standards and practices across all the coalition colleges in the state to enhance the safety and security of the campus communities through advocacy, collaboration and partnerships which includes training and professional development. Through the Center's economic development initiatives, organizations and business receive technical assistance, expertise, information and research on current regional, state and national security initiatives.

Information, photos and resources from our 2011 Summit here!

Jeanne Clery Act Training Seminar a Success

On February 13-14, 2013, sixty-two participants from 28 SBCTC colleges attended a day and a half training seminar at Renton Technical College. This seminar was designed to help participants understand each aspect of the federal Clery compliance and to learn about new reporting requirements.  At the conclusion of this interactive, multidisciplinary training,  participants were equipped with the tools necessary to address all federal reporting requirements.    

Ninety-five percent of participants indicated they benefited from the seminar and would immediately use the information provided.  Several members of the Security, Safety and Emergency Management Council (SSEM) attended the seminar and requested the training be offered again next year.  The Clery Center has agreed to offer a workshop again in 2014. 

College Disaster Recovery Workshop Well Received by Local Emergency Management Staff

Thirty-two participants from SBCTC colleges along with local emergency management agency staff attended a day long College Disaster Recovery Workshop offered by the Center in collaboration with the Washington State Emergency Management Division of the Military Department.  This workshop focused on long term recovery issues for colleges and provided attendees with a guidance manual to develop plans  table top exercises for their colleges.   One hundred percent of the participants indicated they would immediately utilize the content in their work.   The Center is working with colleges to schedule three additional workshops  around the state. 

The Center of Excellence is a LEAD college. Click here for more information.