Alpena County Sheriff discusses ways to improve school safety

Despite the statistics, school shootings are not normal but sadly, they occur. Recently the Alpena County Sheriff’s office announced deputies will be patrolling surrounding schools, to help ensure school safety and to build relationships with students. Even though changes have been made, there is always room for improvement. Especially when preparing for an active shooter situation.

“I think some the we can improve on is our reaction to active shooter situation we need to continue that type of training. I recently talked to a lieutenant  from State Police and we are in the process arranging that this year. We will have an active shooter situation trainings for schools and probably going in when students aren’t there and practice the response. And I think talking to your kids is important, parents needs to talk to their children and tell them these situations are out there and how to respond appropriately “..

One of the main concerns the Sheriff’s Department has is getting to the rural schools quickly if something were to happen.

“I think Alpena Public Schools are in the process of addressing that issue right now. There are steps that can be taken, there are steps that have been taken and I think some steps that have been taken are hardening the schools i.e one access to the schools as opposed to multiple accesses to the schools. If the schools can have a buzzer at the door, they allow who is coming in and out I think that would be wise for them. Schools are updating security issues and we will do whatever we can to assist them with it.”