Florida Shooting: SCPD, Schools Respond With Security Plans

Suffolk Police Chief Stuart Cameron, left, with County Executive Steve Bellone highlight the departments active shooter response capabilities. Photo/Facebook/SCPD

By Connor Beach & Andrew Wroblewski
info@longislandergroup.com

In the aftermath of the shooting, police and school districts have pointed out measures they’re taking, or already have taken, to prepare for similar situations.

Suffolk police detail plans to handle active shooter situations

Suffolk County officials held a press conference last Thursday that highlighted Suffolk police’s capability to respond to active shooting situations.

Police Chief Stuart Cameron said the department regularly hosts active shooter drills, and trains with school officials to prepare for an unexpected dangerous event.

“When I started working on this a lot of the schools were not adequately prepared for this type of event,” Cameron said. “Because of their interaction with the police department many of them have drastically increased their preparedness.”

Cameron also said schools should reach out to SCPD if they have any concerns about a student, and that every precinct in the department, including Huntington’s Second Precinct, has a “tactical car” equipped with an assault rifle that is designed to respond to active shooter situations.

“I want to tell parents here in Suffolk that I take comfort in, and they should take comfort in, the fact that the SCPD has spent years preparing for and working on the issues of an active shooter,” said Suffolk Executive Steve Bellone.

School officials sound off on security policies

Superintendents and officials of schools across the Town of Huntington also responded to the mass shooting with messages detailing varies security policies and procedures in their district.

“The tragedy that occurred yesterday in Florida serves as a stark reminder that America’s schools are not immune to senseless violence,” Huntington Superintendent Jim Polansky stated in a letter to the school community.

Polansky assured parents and students that comprehensive safety plans and building-specific plans are updated each year by district officials. He also said drills are conducted throughout the year to prepare students and staff for emergency situations.

Similar messages were sent to parents and members of districts across town.

St. Anthony’s High School Director of Communications Christina Buehler said in a statement that the school has had “numerous active shooter drills, including one this past fall.

“Suffolk police have been on scene to participate in these drills and to give us feedback,” Buehler said.

Northport-East Northport Superintendent Robert Banzer said the district, along with dedicated security personnel and other measures, uses technology to ensure safety.

“We have also invested in monitoring equipment such as security cameras and door swipes and we continue to research new technology that may further enhance our security efforts,” Banzer said.

The same can be said for South Huntington, where staff members are required to scan in via an I.D. card door swipe system to gain access to district buildings.

Superintendent Dave Bennardo said, “We have both district and building specific plans that are developed with our school resource officer and approved by both the administration and school board. Our protocols include numerous layers, both seen and unseen…”

Elwood Superintendet Ken Bossert said district officials are in discussions to further enhance safety.

He added, “It is time to change the dialogue from better ways to ‘hide’ our children, to how to prevent these senseless acts from taking place at all.”

The Half Hollow Hills Central School District is working with Sandy Hook Promise, an organization that trains students and adults to know the signs of gun violence, to implement the “Say Something Anonymous Reporting System,” according to Superintendent Patrick Harrigan.

The program combines educating students in the district on how to recognize warning signs and signals and identify who may be a threat to themselves or others, with an anonymous reporting system to report the tips to the appropriate authorities.

Harborfields Superintendent Francesco Ianni reassured community members that the district continuously reviews and improves emergency management plans to incorporate any new policies and improvements.

He added that staff members undergo training to address emergency situations, and that both students and staff participate in drills throughout the school year. He also reminded students that if they “see something [suspicious] they should notify someone.”

The Commack School District has implemented an anonymous alert system for those who see something suspicious.

Superintendent Donald James also asked parents to take time to speak to their children to “help them cope with this tragedy, or any other emotional issue they may be facing.” He added, “Our social workers, psychologists, and counselors are highly trained and also ready to assist them.”