NH Police Train For Active Shooter At Elementary School
FARMINGTON (CBS) - Police officers from several communities in Strafford County prepared for a worst case scenario: an active shooter inside a school.
The exercise had been scheduled back in October, but given the tragedy in Newtown two weeks ago today, the timing seemed appropriate.
The drill helps officers use skills they do not use on a regular basis, and it helps coordinate teams who are unfamiliar with each other.
"We're working with other departments that we don't work with regularly," said Farmington Police Chief Kevin Willey. "But if we were to have a critical incident like an active shooter, these would be the departments that would be responding."
Friday's drill took place at Valley View Community Elementary in Farmington.
Officers practiced clearing stairwells and hallways, walking as teams in various formations, and using hard and soft shields.
The goal is a response that minimizes casualties and tracks down a suspect quickly.
"You hope for the best and prepare for the worst," said Chief Willey.
