Page 20 - PCPA Spring 2025 Bulletin Magazine

STRENGTHENING SCHOOL SAFETY THROUGH
COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION, AND PREPAREDNESS
Strengthening School Safety
Through Communication,
Collaboration, and Preparedness
By Zach Querry, Regional Director, Critical Response Group
The safety of our schools remains a top priority for law enforcement and district administrators alike.
Ensuring an effective response to emergencies—whether they be active threats, natural disasters, or
other crises—requires a well-coordinated effort between schools and their public safety partners. One
of the most critical steps in strengthening this collaboration is consistent communication, joint planning, and
preparedness exercises, including tabletop drills.
PA CHIEFS OF POLICE ASSOCIATION
PA CHIEFS OF POLICE ASSOCIATION
The Role of Communica-
tion and Collaboration
When seconds matter, clear lines
of communication between law en-
forcement and school administra-
tors can save lives. The ability of
officers to quickly understand the
school’s layout, coordinate with on-
site personnel, and establish com-
mand procedures is directly tied to
how well these groups have worked
together before an incident occurs.
Schools and police departments
must develop strong relationships
well before a crisis, ensuring that
emergency plans are not just theo-
retical documents but actively re-
hearsed protocols.
In recent years, the need for pre-es-
tablished communication channels
has become evident in high-profile
school emergencies. In Decem-
ber 2024, Abundant Life Christian
School in Wisconsin faced an ac-
tive shooter situation. Fortunately,
responding teams had access to
the school’s CRGs, allowing them
to quickly assess entry points, navi-
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