Law Officers Train For Active Shooter
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Water Valley Police Chief Jason Mangrum (left) evaluates officers and deputies as they enter a classroom during an active shooter drill on June 28. The training lasted for much of the afternoon with participation that also included the Yalobusha County Sheriff’s Department, Yalobusha County EMS (medical) and Yalobusha County EMA.
WATER VALLEY – The Water Valley Police Department coordinated an active shooter training last week simulating different threats for a school, hospital or factory setting. The training was held for much of the afternoon on June 28 inside the Water Valley High School and also included participation from the Yalobusha County Sheriff’s Department, Yalobusha County EMS (ambulance crews) and Yalobusha County EMA directors.
“Obviously this training is something we hope is never needed,” Police Chief Jason Mangrum told the Herald. “But it is very important to train, especially for an incident that involves coordinating response from numerous law enforcement agencies, medical personnel, dispatchers and other support staff.”
Scenarios included the officers searching for an active shooter that is roaming inside the building. One officer played the role of the shooter, hiding in the halls and classrooms and occasionally firing blanks from a training gun as officers sprinted through the school to eliminate the threat. Another scenario included providing medical treatment to injured victims while the scene was still active and shooter inside. Both of the on-duty ambulance crews in the county participated in these drills. Officers practiced providing cover for the paramedics as they entered the school to provide simulated life-saving treatment for a victim who was bleeding out.
Officers were also trained to administer first aid, including applying a tourniquets, at a scene that was not fully secured.
During each session officers were evaluated on their responses that included entering a classroom, securing the scene, communicating concisely and working in unison.
“We appreciate the school district allowing the use of the high school for this training,” Mangrum said. “Training for an active shooter situation is something we work on year-round, culminating with a real-world simulation.”
Officers shield paramedics entering the school during an active shooter training on June 28 at the Water Valley High School.
