School districts and police departments across much of Western and Central New York are going to get opportunities to learn the latest in training about violence and active shooting incidents.
U.S. Attorney William Hochul says this will give those directly involved the newest ideas about dealing with shootings in the wake of deadly violence nearby in Webster and in Newtown, Connecticut.
"In light of the recent shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut and Webster, N.Y., the timing of these trainings couldn’t be better," said Hochul. "As someone who has worked directly with our local police and federal agencies for the past three decades, the public needs to know that our law enforcement officers are well trained and dedicated when it comes to handling these highly volatile situations. Nevertheless, we must continue to be proactive and do all we can do to educate and prepare not only members of law enforcement, but also the public."
There are three sessions: Street Survival and Officer Safety on February 8, Understanding Human Aggression and Violence, and Making Our Schools Safe on March 15. A third session in April on active shooters in a business environment.
Hochul tells WBFO News the sessions will be of special importance to smaller police departments and smaller school districts.
"It's certainly is an opportunity to present to some of these smaller departments and districts experts and the latest studies on what can be done to both prevent some of these outbreaks and these incidents of violence that we have seen. But, then also if for some reason a tragedy is developing how best to respond," said Hochul.
Hochul says advice to police and school districts has changed over time.
"By partnering with law enforcement, the education and business communities on a topic as important as active shooter, I believe we can better protect the public and each other from the many challenges such a scenario presents,” said Hochul.
“While no one solution exists which will eliminate all violent crime, by collectively discussing and implementing best practices, we will all be in a better position to ensure that the proper steps are taken to both prevent, and address, such dangerous situations if they ever present themselves again."
