City Workers Left Waiting for Alerts After Office Shooting

On Friday, April 24, gunfire echoed through Jackson Square, a shopping and office hub in downtown Hamilton, Ontario, as a dispute involving three teenagers escalated into violence.

Shortly after the incident began, mall security made an announcement over the loudspeakers urging individuals to seek shelter inside stores.

Hamilton Police reported that they arrived on the scene around 5:10 p. m., where they discovered 16-year-old Nabil Askafe critically injured. The suspects had already fled the area, and Askafe was later declared dead at the hospital.

While the immediate response from police and security on site seemed swift, Press Progress found out that a vital emergency notification tool utilized by the City of Hamilton failed to alert city employees working in offices above the mall about the ongoing crisis at their workplace.

Press Progress has obtained timestamped notifications from Hamilton’s Emergency Notification System (ENS) sent to employees who were registered to receive them. The first emergency message was received by staff at 6 p. m., almost an hour after the shooting took place just inside the entrance of the building located at 110 King St. W. – just steps away from elevators leading to the mid-rise tower where city offices are situated.

“This is an important message from City of Hamilton’s Corporate Safety & Security,” stated the message received at 6 p. m. “A significant Police presence is located around and inside the Jackson Square mall property for a reported shooting event. Hamilton Police are starting to perform a lockdown of the entire mall property including City operated areas.”

The message advised workers in downtown Hamilton to “stay away from this area” while instructing those within the mall to “follow instructions from the overhead speaker system and responding law enforcement” and to “remain secured at this time” (sic).

A screenshot of the first emergency notification received by a city worker on April 24 (url fully visible in original).

By the time City of Hamilton staff got those messages, some workers who weren’t present during that time had already shared news about the shooting with each other through group chats.

“Omg that’s so scary!!!!” one employee responded to a colleague’s text sharing details about what happened, with screenshots obtained by Press Progress showing their reaction. “We didn’t even get an alert either!”

“I’m surprised we didn’t get an alert,” another wrote back. “We’ll see if anything comes up on the news.”

A few minutes later, they added, “Just got the text – that was delayed.”

The emergency-notification messages indicated that police maintained a lockdown of Jackson Square until 8:10 p. m. Two days later, authorities reported that the alleged shooter turned himself in.

However, city workers remain worried about their employer’s capability to ensure their safety following delays in emergency notifications.

According to police reports, shooting at Jackson Square occurred just inside front doors at 110 King St. W., marked with star on map above; victim reached as far as Wireless+ store before collapsing. Also visible is elevator bank serving Robert Thomson Building housing City offices. (Screenshot above via Jimmy Limit on Google Street View; map below via Jackson Square.)

City workers who spoke anonymously with Press Progress expressed disappointment regarding how delayed responses were during April 24 incident along with unclear messaging communicated through ENS.

“There are times when we get alerts for incidents but never find out what actually happened,” one worker mentioned.

This individual also noted receiving notification for “hold and secure” order at another Hamilton building which indicated police presence but lacked further details.

The City of Hamilton’s annual report for Corporate Safety and Security covering 2022-2023 (pdf) revealed planning efforts began in July 2020 aimed towards enhancing use of emergency-notification systems provided by Rave Mobile-to create safer work environments overall.

James Berry, spokesperson representing City Hall confirmed via statement ENS issued its first alert regarding incident occurring around six o’clock PM. Berry stated Corporate Safety & Security team became aware about police activity nearby Jackson Square shortly after five-thirty PM but noted specifics surrounding situation impacting city operations or employee safety hadn’t been validated yet during that timeframe.

“While ENS notification went out once information was verified along with assessment completed accordingly-City acknowledges significance behind continuous improvements necessary within emergency communication channels plus timely notifications directed towards staff,” said Berry while adding municipality would be reviewing potential enhancements aimed towards situational awareness alongside notification processes overall.

Rave Mobile Safety entered Canadian market back in 2017 acquiring Emergency Response Management Services Corp., which specialized as provider concerning emergency-notification systems based out Oakville region located within Ontario province itself.

The company faced acquisition again during year twenty-two by Motorola Solutions-legal successor belonging under Motorola Inc.-focusing primarily upon security technology offerings without disclosing total amounts involved within deal finalized then. Greg Brown chairman/CEO overseeing operations associated Motorola Solutions mentioned investors quarter earnings call reflecting acquisition generated around seventy million USD revenue boost towards organization count throughout period covered here.

The implementation timeline regarding Hamilton’s existing emergency-notification framework initially started specifically designated only for personnel working directly inside city hall facilities , gradually expanding application across additional municipal properties plus providing necessary training conducted accordingly too. By two thousand twenty-four all eight thousand municipal employees finally came onboard under established system available now today.

On April twenty-seventh – Monday post-shooting event – employees received subsequent email correspondence coming straight from Marnie Cluckie-Hamilton ’s current city manager acknowledging tragic violent occurrences which transpired previous Friday affecting numerous staff members heavily impacted along providing list support resources available particularly targeted toward individuals present amidst lockdown procedures enacted earlier then. The email also praised effectiveness surrounding Emergency Notification System used throughout crisis management stages too.

“We also want acknowledge fact established safety protocols adhered followed additionally communication systems including Emergency Notification System (RAVE) activated functioning exactly as intended , ” read Cluckie’s message conveyed afterwards.“These measures stand firm ensuring your real-time protection support become most efficient when colleagues informed connected properly.”

One employee remarked upon receipt indicating feedback not well-received among workforce openly expressing frustrations felt collectively surrounding accountability placed solely onto personnel themselves avoiding such incidents occurring , whilst nothing clarified whatsoever addressing improvement plans needed enhance overall worker safety situations going forward ahead.

Within aforementioned email contained various precautionary suggestions relating staying safe commuting-including reminders remaining vigilant surroundings utilizing well-lit pathways navigating across areas frequented among public spaces ensuing interactions should consist verbal de-escalation strategies knowing best exit points whenever required thus maintaining personal boundaries observed responsibly without escalation provocation initiated likewise through communications exchanged routinely taking place daily interactions witnessed regularly amongst people passing by altogether occurring here.

Days later union representatives tasked advocating interests amongst local membership put forth public statements addressing concerns raised explicitly voiced discussions held previously emphasizing delays encountered updating through RAVE system requiring explanations thoroughly gathered requested clarifications sought since no opportunity offered yet conducting debrief sessions following described experiences endured collectively lately.

Jason Lucas president CUPE Local five-one-six-seven underscored solidarity maintaining open lines cooperation between unions seeking dialogue both employers requesting follow-ups promptly executed toward resolving challenges identified moving onward thereafter likewise encouraging continued participation engaging collective forums avenues facilitated directly communicating recommendations submitted management teams overseeing these essential matters encountered presently underway still ahead today connecting everyone together effectively coordinated jointly integrated focused solutions presented universally applied thereafter upon reaching agreements mutually agreed adopted resolutions best suited everyone equally treated fairly pursued equitably achieved success earnestly determined way forward henceforth wholly dedicated continuing efforts guiding principles underpinning health wellness priorities centralize approach prevailing importance paramount safeguarding welfare trust lives being entrusted entirely taken seriously handled strictly duly protected assured always upheld properly maintained consistently adhered thereafter shaped policies reflected appropriately aligned valued input consistent relevance emphasized adequately gained insight awareness kept continuously evolving responsive measures tailored responsive needs met as encountered dealing actively transformed circumstances arisen recently manifesting evolving states experienced transitioning therefore undertaken adjustments anticipated forthcoming execution soon finalized awaiting delivery updates informative actions implemented signal progress marks essence advancing engagements future oriented successful outcomes respectively attained encouraged wholeheartedly committed undertaking actionable insights elevating communities safely engaged environment promote living thriving sustainably foster strengthened connections everywhere locally globally influence combined efforts showcase results reflect readiness continue striving evolve progressively together.

On May fourth subsequent communication targeted staff delivering additional emails reiterating commitment demonstrated assurance relating changes adopted supporting better health conditions assisting safeguarding wellbeing prioritizing relevant matters addressed closely within workplaces encompassed encompassing downtown locations affected result triggering fears emotions sparked recent events should anyone concerned reassured sincerity demonstrated genuinely communicated reaffirmed intentions intended follow-up actions disseminated appropriately outlining necessary criteria determining requirements enhancement visibility checked engagement aspects included provisions links direct access correspondences ensued catered additional tips available focused preventing instances thus further enabling effective strategies mobilized growing attentiveness concerning situational awareness practiced diligently incorporated refreshing considerations engaging innovative approaches learning adaptively sharpened overall skills abilities foster harmony networks empowered support nurtured openly cultivated actively participated responsive means bridging collaboration forged profoundly transform realities sustaining healthy productive atmospheres flourishing thereby instilling confidence ultimately achieve collective aspirations collaboratively driven fulfilling goals beyond expectations maximized impact resonating widely harmonizing perspectives created resulting uplifting changes undertaken progressing clearly advancing opportunities encourage breakthroughs realized positively embraced yielding worthwhile achievements emerged promises envisioned worked proactively realizing dreams accomplished brilliantly displayed resilience amassed nurturing connections fortified robust foundations instituted harmonious environments thrive interconnectedness underpinning crucial fabric tying everything together moving persistently embraced growth mindset transformative journeys embarked 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