WKXL – October 4, 2013
City of Concord – Active Shooter Public Safety Exercise
This past week, I had the opportunity to participate in a United States Department of Justice sponsored training exercise at the Active Shooter Law Enforcement Conference at the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Facility in Concord. The exercise was facilitated by Special Agents from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Boston Office. The scenario involved an active shooter at Concord High School. The participating agencies included: the Concord Police and Fire Departments, City Administration, the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office, the Merrimack County Attorney’s Office, Concord Hospital, Riverbend Emergency Services, Concord High School Administration, New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire Bureau of Behavioral Health, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the FBI.
The Special Agents moderated the discussion, highlighting critical elements of the response. The focus of the discussion related to departmental and agency leader decision making and the processes required to support the safe execution of security operations. Key components included response to victims, witness management, complex scene management, investigation, media coordination and secondary incidents.
The Department of Justice explained that these training sessions are going on throughout the country at this time. In light of the two gun-related incidents at New Hampshire schools last week in Kingston and North Hampton, the timing was noteworthy.
Of particular note for me were the solid working relationships and bonds between the participants involved in this exercise. Concord Police Lieutenant John Thomas and Concord Deputy Fire Chief Sean Toomey were fully in command of the situation and were prepared for all eventualities. Their approach and decision-making skills were well received and lauded by the FBI. Concord High School Principal Gene Connolly clearly demonstrated that the High School Administration and staff continually keep at the forefront of their minds the safety of the students, the staff and the general public.
And lastly, Dr. Tom Peters of Riverbend Emergency Services provided great insight into some of the potential mental health issues associated with incidents of this nature. The FBI was much impressed with the close working relationships that were already well established in this community.
