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School officials, area police train for the unpredictable
CLOVERDALE -- The Putnam County Safe Schools Commission and local and state law enforcement officers recently combined their training hours as more than 100 officials met at the Cloverdale High School for a day of reactive training.
The morning training sessions were filled with police officers using classrooms and hallways for threat engagement drills on decision-making targets while conducting room-clearing techniques.
The Putnam County Prosecutor's Office made the training possible with the purchase of all marking training ammo.
The afternoon sessions were attended by employees from each of the county school districts and law enforcement agencies.
Jerrod Baugh of the Indiana State Excise Police and a certified Active Shooter Response Instructor, provided a program discussing issues related to keeping students and faculty safe during incidents.
"Unlike most things taught in a school, it is my hope that what you learn today, you will never need to use," Baugh said.
Capt. Charles Inman of the Greencastle Police Department then directed a scenario-based training session.
School officials and officers were exposed to the realization of an event and its aftermath. Many issues were exposed and discussed by the Putnam County Safe Schools Commission.
The Putnam County School Safety Specialists will continue to work to develop consistency of school emergency procedures and coordination with local and county emergency agencies.
Commission Chairman and Cloverdale Principal Sonny Stoltz commented, "This is another of our great opportunities to train with local police and school officials on safety for all our students."
A combined effort of instruction was covered by certified instructors, Chief Tom Sutherlin and Assistant Chief Brian Hopkins of the Greencastle City Police and Lt. Kevin Akers, Indiana State Excise Police.