Law Enforcement train in emergency response to schools

Eleven law enforcement agencies received training last week for an emergency response to a school. Fifty-nine members from local, county and state law enforcement were instructed by Knox and Kennebec County Deputies that have received training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia as nationally recognized “Active Shooter Threat Instructors.” Over a three day period at Camden Hills Regional High School; while students were on break, law enforcement officers were involved in classroom discussion and hands on training of entering buildings and clearing rooms to eliminate possible threats. Agencies represented in the training were from Knox and Kennebec County Sheriff’s Offices, Rockland, Camden, Rockport, Winthrop, Augusta, and Waldoboro Police Departments as well as Probation & Parole, Maine Warden Service and Maine Marine Patrol. 

This is a level of training that we absolutely hope to never use, but as all know the ways of the world, we would be remiss if not working on and having a common knowledge amongst responders of what best practices are to approach such an occurrence. It is recognized that it all may be a low probability occurrence, but at the same time if it should happen is an extremely high consequence that affects communities greatly. 

The Knox County Sheriff’s Office and local agencies are constantly working with schools and organizations to help prepare for emergency responses from assisting with written response plans to actively training at their facility. We are working together ahead of time with not only local law enforcement, but our partners in Fire, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, and school administration as all will have significant roles in response and recovery efforts from such an event.

Thursday, May 5^th at 4 p.m., a community forum and panel discussion will be held at Camden Hills Regional High School to help better understand each others duties as well as inform the public of our response capabilities and expectations. The topic is, “School Emergencies: Are We Ready?” Free admission and open to the public.