‘Crisis Management Team’ Learns Ways To Handle Violent Situations

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) –  Keeping students, teachers and administrators safe while at school is a major concern with districts nationwide.  In the past 15 years, there have been more than 170 school shootings, or attacks.

Although the video involves actors role playing an active shooter event inside a store, the message hits home to members of TPSD’s Crisis Management Team.

“Sometimes you can get too comfortable in your own surroundings, you don’t know what to look for, somebody else can come in and see something totally different,” said Terry Hatch, TPSD director of security services.

That’s what Jeff Broaddus does.  The former Marine and special agent of the United States Secret Service is a senior associate at the Texas based Broaddus and Associates.  The firm helps those in the public and private sectors come up with plans to better manage and secure their facilities.

In fact,  the company planned the new storm shelters throughout TPSD and identified a need for critical incident response training, and a facilities safety audit.

Broaddus spent a week observing the district’s security operations .  The day long meeting with the Crisis Management Team helps make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to safety and security.

“I tell all my students and anyone that will listen, you have to be ready so you don’t have to get ready, let us never be the ones to say we didn’t think it could happen here,” Broaddus said.

In a dangerous, active threat situation, Broaddus teaches the basic principles of Avoid, Deny and Defend.  Avoid the threat by escaping if possible,  Deny the criminal access to your location,  or defending yourself and others if the perpetrator gets to your location.

Administrators say they appreciate the emphasis on safety and preparedness.

“Some of our students experience complications with, being able to mobilize around the school quickly, it takes a plan in place prior to any crisis happening for those students to ensure their safety as well,” said Genna McAlpin, TPSD Director of Special Education.

Members of the Crisis Management Team will take what they have seen and heard back to their campuses, Mr. Broaddus refers to them as disciples in a way, of a safe and proactive learning environment.

This is the second year Broaddus has helped TPSD with its crisis management plan.