College of the Desert’s Response to Sheriffs Active Shooter Alert
College of the Desert’s Palm Desert campus received an active shooter alert from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department at approximately 12:20 p.m. on Friday, October 28.
As deputies were on campus, the all-clear was given at approximately 12:32 p.m. It was determined the warning was a false alarm and was meant for a school outside the Coachella Valley, in Yucca Valley.
Upon receiving the initial call, College of the Desert’s Public Safety Department immediately initiated its lockdown protocol and issued a campuswide alert to all employees and students via a text-based notification system. Employees and students on campus were ordered to shelter in place.
Fortunately, this was a false alarm, and everyone is safe. The incident demonstrated the effectiveness of our active shooter procedures and reminded us of their importance. We are grateful to all faculty, staff and students for following policies and practicing safety.
All campus activities have resumed.
