BLANCHESTER — The Blanchester Police Department, in collaboration with the Blanchester Local School District, will be conducting an Active Aggressor Exercise on Friday, Aug. 9 beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing into the afternoon.
The exercise will take place in the vicinity of the bus pickup area behind the middle school and will involve simulated firearms, first responder vehicles, and role players to create a realistic training environment.
This exercise is designed to enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of both school staff and first responders in the event of an active shooter situation. Residents should be aware of the increased activity and noise, including simulated gunfire and emergency response operations, during the exercise hours, according to BPD
BPD Chief Robert Houghton highlighted the significance of the exercise, saying, “Training in a realistic environment is essential for our officers. It allows us to practice our response strategies and improve our coordination with the school staff. Our goal is to ensure the safety of students and staff by being ready for any potential threat.”
The exercise also aims to strengthen the partnership between the police department and the school district, Houghton said.
“Effective communication and teamwork between first responders and school personnel are crucial during an emergency,” Houghton added. “These exercises help us build a unified response plan, which is critical for saving lives in real-life situations.”
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the 2018-2019 school year, there were 1.6 million students who participated in lockdown drills in U.S. public schools, emphasizing the importance of preparedness. Furthermore, the U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center reports that in 80% of school shooting cases, the shooter had shown warning signs or communicated threats beforehand, highlighting the need for proactive training and awareness.
The Blanchester Police Department is committed to the safety and security of the community. By conducting comprehensive training exercises and fostering strong partnerships with local schools and emergency services, the department aims to be fully prepared for any potential emergencies.
For more information about the exercise or to speak with Houghton, please contact the Blanchester Police Department at 937-783-4702 or email [email protected].
