The Susanville Police Department will be conducting a full-scale training exercise today, August 4th, on the Lassen High School campus. The training, which according to Police Chief Tom Downing will simulate an active assailant incident similar to a school shooting, will close down the high school’s campus on Main Street beginning at around 8:00a.m. and should end no later than 4:00p.m.
“The purpose of this training exercise is to promote preparedness in the event of the need for a complex, multi-agency, response to a dynamic and tragic situation like a school shooting,” said Chief Downing. “Realistic, scenario based training is critical for staff development and public safety. This type of training assists first responders, medical professionals, and school officials in developing more comprehensive plans and strategies to address these types of situations.”
During the training exercise all streets and businesses in the area will remain open and unimpeded, however, only authorized personnel will be allowed to attend or participate in the training at the school.
“Due to the sensitive nature of the training, and for the safety of all,” said Downing, “this training will not be open for public observation.”
Downing also explained that in the event of an actual emergency of this nature parents would be instructed on where to respond to receive information and how to be reunited with their children, “Responding to the school most likely would not be the best option and would only interfere with public safety operations.”
If it were a bona-fide emergency the law enforcement partners, in coordination with school officials, would use their mass notification capabilities to notify parents with instructions. Downing encourages parents to update contact information with school officials on a regular basis.
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