In response to an incident last September, during which a youth was seen carrying what turned out to be an unloaded pellet gun off a bus and into the college, Niagara College officials were prompted to beef up security.

Numerous security have been undertaken at the college and others will be completed by the end of the year, said Niagara College spokesman Gord Hunchak.

"This is a project that probably doesn't have an end date because we will continue to upgrade security as we learn more and as more types of security devices become available."

Security cameras are being installed to complement the newly improved public address system, so security personnel can monitor and communicate with staff and students in the case of an emergency," Hunchak said.

The college has selected a company to install the Voice Override Internet Protocol phones, which can not only be used as regular phones, but also to make announcements through the PA system, he said.

The college's emergency response guide has been updated. A copy has been distributed to all staff members and placed in each classroom, Hunchak added.

Staff members and security personnel have been informed and trained about the college's new evacuation and lockdown procedures by Niagara police.

Police will continue to assist Niagara College's security personnel with further training.

The college is also contemplating hiring additional security officers