2 minute read
SCHOOL SAFETY
JISD: SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS AT EVERY LEVEL
Jarrell students have had nearly a month to settle into the routine of the new school year, and parents may appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing that over the summer, the city’s police and fire departments and EMS teamed up to sharpen their efforts to safeguard students and faculty against intruders, fires, and medical emergencies.
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In their first annual collaboration, responders enacted various scenarios and drilled steps to take in the event of a campus intruder and worked through gaps that emerged during the process. Their efforts included establishing a chain of leadership, confirming radio channels, and mapping out school campuses—all of which, when needed, will enable first responders from different departments to work as a single unit.
Police Chief Kevin Denney says after running the drill, “Our goal was to work on clear communications, so the police do what we do best, which is safety and security, while the fire department does what they do best—medical emergencies, fires, and other related issues.”
Chief Denney plans to make intruder scenarios and other collaborative drills an annual event and will rotate training between schools. Responder training sessions will not typically include faculty and staff, and students will not be engaged unless parents have provided consent. The goal of first responder-only training is to maintain confidentiality about tactics and avoid anxiety among young people about potential threats. However, traditional safety drills and meetings will continue for faculty and students, and SROs will visit each school to discuss basic safety with students and personnel.
ACTIVE SHOOTER SCENARIO
“Maintaining good relationships between the district and first responders is an important piece of the team effort,” Chief Denney adds. “It all boils down to communication. We have come a long way in the last few years and this is a great way to make [Jarrell] as safe as we can.”
by Cassidie Cox • photos courtesy Jarrell Police Dept.
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