Schools need to work with their local law enforcement to provide access and training opportunities that will benefit both groups

Our final discussion on the critical responsibilities of school stakeholders involves the nature of a tactical response. The fire department often comes to schools to show how they look in their turnout gear so that kids aren’t afraid of them during an actual fire. We have virtually no familiarity with the nature of a tactical law enforcement response however. Schools need to work with their local law enforcement to provide access and training opportunities that will benefit both groups.  But familiarity itself is not enough. Staff members need to give consideration to their own actions during a crisis event. The basic question is “How do I not look like the shooter?” In the heat of the moment, someone pointing, yelling, grabbing the officer, or moving suddenly or aggressively is going to compromise the law enforcement response.  Even more important, especially from a student perspective, is what happens to the gun if a shooter is disarmed? The natural reaction to “help” law enforcement is most likely to pick up the gun and show it to them. Imagine how this action looks from a law enforcement perspective and the potential tragedy that might ensue.

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