No community is safe until every member takes responsibility for the community's collective safety. College communities are no different from families, towns and businesses in that respect. Getting everyone to accept responsibility is a challenge and skilled communication is an important component of the solution. As part of the front line, college safety professionals need the appropriate communication tools. At Monroe Community College (MCC), those tools include training and technology. MCC's officers receive the same training as area law enforcement (which exceeds New York state standards for basic police officer training), thereby ensuring a common language and frame of reference. A well-trained team of safety professionals breeds community confidence in the team. MCC's faculty staff and students know that the people protecting them are as qualified for the role as any area police officer. Instilling a sense of responsibility for security and safety in all members of the college community requires frequent, focused communications. Because the college community is ever changing with new students and faculty each semester, ongoing communication is essential to ensure a safe and secure environment. Effective emergency response also requires communication and collaboration with local emergency responders (police, fire and emergency medical services) to ensure that the college's safety, security and emergency plans are consistent with their emergency operations and responses. Community college campuses are open environments; as such, a safety and security plan must fit into the broader community's plan, resulting in two plans that work together as one.