Students could participate in active-shooter training next year

La Crosse police and teachers participated Friday

Friday, the La Crosse school district teamed up with the La Crosse Police Dept. to conduct an active-shooter training session. 

School safety coordinator Jason Showen says it likely will start doing drills with students next year, after information goes home with parents and meetings are held.

“Fire drills are required every month during the school year,” Showen said. “Statistically speaking, active-shooter situations actually occur more frequently in the United States, than they have historically. 

“We need to practice these more regularly. We still have to have safety consideration and make sure we’re talking about what real threats are.”

Teachers at a La Crosse School District elementary school participated in the training sessions with police. Getting the children involved will be the next step, but one that’s very controlled.

“We don’t want to just send somebody in and shoot off a cap gun or something like that and kind of scare people,” Showen said. “That’s not our intention at all. It’s giving people the ability to practice in a safe and controlled environment.”

Friday’s session revolved around the tactic called ALICE.

“It goes beyond lockdown,” Showen explained. “It’s about ‘What do we do now,’ once we’re in a room or have a chance to evacuate. Or if an intruder gets into a room, what options do we have. 

“It’s more than just getting into a room, locking it and hoping we have a good outcome.”

Capt Nedegaard goes down again!!!! pic.twitter.com/OIH8ShN0pL

— La Crosse Police (@Lacrossepolice) April 8, 2016