Eagle Pass Independent School District Police Department hosts Multi-Agency Training
By: Jose G. Landa, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2015
As our local schools begin a new school year, preparations by the Eagle Pass Independent School District (EPISD) Police Department and Administration for the new school year began weeks ago to ensure that our school children, parents, teachers and administration are safe at their respective campuses throughout the community.
The EPISD Police Department hosted certain training exercises during the summer with other local, state, and federal agencies in order to provide a safe and secure environment for all students, parents, teachers, and guests studying, working, or visiting the District.
EPISD Superintendent Gilberto Gonzalez stated that safety is a major issue and concern within the EPISD in order to protect and secure the safety and well-being of students, teachers, parents, and guests within District facilities, events, and programs. To accomplish these goals, the EPISD Police Department works closely with other local, state, and federal agencies in training exercises to prepare for any emergency or safety situation which may arise in the District.
“Recognizing that law enforcement needs change constantly, we are pleased to inform the community that our EPISD Police Department continues to stay up-to-date on training vital in the law enforcement profession. The department works closely with all local municipal police departments, state and federal agencies within the Maverick County area. The EPISD Police Department is comprised of committed professionals who strive for superior safety on all campuses and district facilities,” said Superintendent Gonzalez.
The EPISD Police Department hosted on Tuesday, August 18, 2015, a multi-agency training program designed to responding and coordinating an emergency or safety scenario at the local school district. The EPISD Police Department held a simulated training exercise at the C.C. Winn High School campus and the EPISD Transportation Department for teaching and learning how to respond and manage a live emergency or safety situation.
Participating in the simulated training exercise were the EPISD Police Department, Eagle Pass Police Department, Maverick County Sheriff’s Department SWAT Team, Customs and Border Protection Special Response Team, and With the assistance of the Customs and Border Protection SRT (Special Response Team) and other agencies. The agency officers conducted active shooter drills, bus/vehicle assaults, and were given instruction regarding tactical formation and approaches. The tactics and formations were modeled and the EPISD officers were later guided through hands on training and practice. Finally, the officers were given the opportunity for independent practice and had the opportunity to experience on all the tactics that were learned in a simulated incident. These drills also introduced officers to life saving techniques and allowed the EPISD officers to gain hands on knowledge in active shooter responses.
“The following day, August 19, the EPISD Police Department met at the multi-agency shooting range. With the guidance and assistance of the Texas DPS Criminal Investigation Division Range Masters, the officers were put through rigorous live fire training exercises where they were given the opportunity to utilize the skills learned the previous day. Officers were able to identify their physical, emotional, and tactical limitations and strengths in high stress situations. In this controlled environment, it enabled the EPISD officers to determine and adapt to necessary changes to better protect and serve the students, staff and community.
“In addition to providing School-based Officers and Investigators, the EPISD Police Department provides emergency response services. On Friday, August 21, EPISD officers were assisted and trained by Athletic Trainers and obtained CPR/AED certification.
“Our Police Department is committed to the safety and security of our students,” said Superintendent Gilberto Gonzalez. “Consistent training is essential and is a top priority in this profession,” added Gonzalez.
The EPISD Police Department and local, state, and federal law enforcement officers gained invaluable training and preparation as a result of the multi-agency training hosted by the EPISD Police Department during August of 2015.
