HAMPSTEAD — It’s training police officers hope to never use, but they are prepared for in the event of a critical incident in their community.
Hampstead Police Department coordinated and hosted active shooter training at the Hampstead Middle School on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“Unfortunately in this day and age, the possibility of having to respond to a school for a serious critical incident is possible,” Hampstead police Chief Bob Kelley said. “It’s imperative we develop our officers because they need to handle whatever a situation may call for.”
The department invited local police departments that assist Hampstead with mutual aid to the advanced law enforcement rapid response training. Atkinson, Plaistow, Sandown, Danville, Chester Police Departments and the Rockingham County Sheriff’s office participated in the training.
The cross-agency training allows the other towns to be familiar with Hampstead schools as they may assist the department in a large-scale critical incident. The officers become familiar with the town and its schools and the training helps ensure everyone’s response to these types of incidents in the same manner.
“It’s important for small towns who rely on each other for mutual aid to take the time to train together,” Kelley said.
Hampstead Police Department’s partnership with the FBI allowed for two days of instruction with all simulated training equipment at no charge while working within a default budget.
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day routine in police work. But quality training opportunities for the department and surrounding towns sharpens the skills and awareness of those serving the community, Kelley said.
Officers who took part in the training ranged from student resource officers, K-9 officers to some of the newest faces on the force. Kelley said for their newer officers who have less than a year of experience, the specific training isn’t something they would have received at the police academy.
The training provided officers with simulation of an active threat in a school. The officers were instructed on how to enter rooms and different tactical approaches in high intensity environments.
It’s loud and realistic training, but necessary.
Although the police chief said Hampstead is a great community and a safe place to live, critical incidents and horrific events created by active shooters have become too common and familiar across the country.
“Hampstead is not immune to this type of concern, and that’s why it’s incredibly important that we stay prepared and vigilant,” Kelley said. “We need to ensure that our officers have the best training and are prepared to respond to the worst case scenario.”