The St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office held an agency-wide Active Shooter Training early yesterday.
Sheriff Randy Smith took advantage of the Thanksgiving school break to hold the scenario-based training at Mayfield Elementary, but he stresses such training prepares the deputies for incidents at any business or building in the parish.
Deputies from multiple divisions participated in the training, with some playing the roles of the shooters as well as students and teachers. Smith said they tried to make it as realistic as possible.
Following the exercise, a debriefing was held with all involved to discuss what areas could be improved upon. The sheriff said they wanted to make sure they realize where their vulnerabilities are and to correct them now so they are prepared for a real-life active-shooter situation in the future.
Sheriff Smith thanked the St. Tammany Parish School System for allowing the Sheriff’s Office the opportunity to use the school facility for this very important training.
