During the standoff Monday at 1441 N.E. Paropa Court, MHCC administrators kept in contact with media personnel to keep track of the events’ effects on the college. Had the school been in danger, certain protocol would have been followed.

According to Al Sigala, director of media and public relations at MHCC, the first question the administration sought to answer was if the incident was going to affect the campus.

“The police did not contact us,” Sigala said, “so we knew we were not in danger.”

In the case of a criminal situation on campus, according to Sigala, the police would be in control and the administration would follow their guidelines.

“We would sit down with them and share advice,” Sigala said. “The situation would be in their hands.”

According to Multnomah County Sheriff’s spokesman Lt. Mike Shults, the number one rule authorities stick to is protection of life and property.

“If a [gunman] was on the loose, residents would be asked to stay inside and lock their doors,” Shults said.

If there is a need to evacuate, students should follow the guidelines from teachers and staff, as well as messages heard over the intercom system. Individuals in orange vests will guide students where to go.

“We rarely see big problems [on campus],” Sigala said. “The number of people is a deterrent.”

According to Gresham Police Sgt. Jeff Hansen, should MHCC be in danger, other teams would be contacted. Authorities have the ability to call in southwest Washington SWAT, Clackamas County, Washington County and Portland Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT).