Page 21 - PCPA Spring 2025 Bulletin Magazine

STRENGTHENING SCHOOL SAFETY THROUGH
COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION, AND PREPAREDNESS
gate hallways, and locate the threat.
This access to real-time, accurate
mapping data provided officers with
critical situational awareness, dem-
onstrating the impact of proper prep-
aration and information-sharing be-
tween schools and law enforcement.
Tabletop Exercises: Rehears-
ing for Real-World Scenarios
One of the most effective ways to
enhance school-law enforcement
coordination is through tabletop ex-
ercises (TTX). These structured dis-
cussions provide an opportunity for
key stakeholders—school adminis-
trators, local police, fire, EMS, and
emergency management officials—
to walk through potential scenarios
in a controlled setting, identifying
strengths and gaps in response pro-
cedures.
Critical Response Group (CRG) fa-
cilitates tabletop exercises modeled
after pre-mission rehearsals used
by U.S. Special Operations Forc-
es, adapted for schools and public
safety agencies. These exercises go
beyond theoretical discussions by
simulating real-world active threat
events, testing response strategies,
and strengthening coordination be-
tween all involved parties.
During a tabletop exercise, partici-
pants work through key response
actions, including:
•
•
•
•
 Immediate actions by school staff
and law enforcement personnel,
both inside and outside the build-
ing.
 Establishing tactical command,
staging areas, and perimeters to
effectively contain threats.
 Coordinating multi-agency re-
sponse between law enforcement,
school officials, fire, and EMS.
 Incident command structure im-
plementation and integrating out-
side resources.
•
 Communication procedures,
emergency notifications, and
evacuation strategies to ensure a
rapid and effective response.
Rather than a competitive exercise,
these sessions encourage open dia-
logue and problem-solving, expos-
ing gaps in current response plans
and allowing teams to refine their
standard operating procedures. The
goal is to ensure that when a real
crisis occurs, there is no confusion
about roles, responsibilities, or re-
sponse actions.
The Role of Emergency Response
Mapping in Effective Response
A critical component of any prepar-
edness effort is ensuring that first re-
sponders have immediate access to
standardized emergency response
maps. Emergency response map-
ping has become a national priority,
with more than 15 states passing
laws or initiatives requiring schools
to implement this technology.
In an emergency, miscommunication
about locations within a school can
cause delays that cost lives. Stand-
ardized emergency response maps
provide a common operating picture
for school staff and first responders,
ensuring that everyone is working
from the same set of information.
When paired with tabletop exercises
and ongoing collaboration between
schools and law enforcement, map-
ping technology helps create a more
prepared and coordinated response
effort.
Moving Forward in Pennsylvania
Many counties and school districts
across Pennsylvania have already
begun implementing emergency
response mapping as part of their
preparedness efforts. As the state
moves toward introducing legisla-
tion to formalize these requirements,
now is the time for law enforcement
agencies to engage in planning,
communication, and joint training
with their local school districts.
By fostering strong partnerships,
conducting regular drills, and ensur-
ing that first responders have access
to the best possible tools—including
emergency response maps—we can
enhance school safety and ensure
that law enforcement agencies are
ready to respond effectively when it
matters most.
For more information on tabletop
exercises, emergency response
mapping, or best practices for
school safety collaboration, please
feel to email me at zquerry@crg-
plans.com
21
SPRING 2025 BULLETIN