Law enforcement officials report that simulated intruder drills at Bellefontaine City Schools went smoothly on Monday.
The drills were the result of thorough planning and preparation to ensure they were effective and age-appropriate.
Intruder drills were conducted at Bellefontaine High School, Bellefontaine Middle School, Bellefontaine Elementary School, and Bellefontaine Intermediate School. There was no interaction between the intruder and the students.
Each building had a different scenario.
At BHS, an armed intruder fired shots and entered the main office. Electronic shot boxes simulated the sound of gunfire.
The intruder was looking for the assistant principal. Staff members quickly took cover and activated Anchorman devices on their classroom doors.
For the BMS drill, the intruder was looking for a staff member.
The intruder then activated the fire alarm to lure people into the hallway. Students and staff stayed in their classrooms.
At Bellefontaine Elementary, a scaled-down drill was conducted, where a trespasser outside the building was taken into custody.
At BIS, an irate parent entered the office and caused a disturbance.
BHS School Resource Officer Doug Walters reflected on the drills.
“We want students and staff to be prepared in case something like this would ever happen. We want them to know where they can go, how they can use the Anchorman devices on the doors to barricade, and to use the process that is in place for their safety to protect themselves in a really bad situation.”
Walters said there is room for improvement.
“It took several minutes for anyone to call 911 after the intruder entered the high school.
“Staff members also learned that it takes three seconds to activate the MARCS radio system.”
The Logan County Sheriff’s Office, Russells Point Police Department, Washington Township Police Department, and Bellefontaine Fire and EMS assisted with the drills.
The state requires each school district to do a full-scale drill every three years.
Every classroom at Bellefontaine City Schools has an Anchorman device.