Active shooter exercise helps Woodland Park Police improve response

Woodland Park School District and Woodland Park Police Department teamed up Wednesday for a full-scale exercise in case of a real crisis.

Officers acted as though there was an active shooter at Woodland Park Middle School. The command center was at Columbine Elementary School.

150 people from law enforcement, first responders and other agencies all played roles. Students from the school acted as the victims.

The goal of the drill was for the department to see how to better respond in these situations and what they can improve on.

“The goal is to see how the school reacts, and were talking about the school staff more than the students. The students here are actors and doing these thing we’re asking them to do,” said Commander Jim Halloran, with Woodland Park Police Department.

Teachers said its also crucial for them to so they can keep students safe.

“Every situation is different, every scenario is different. We can proactive this 10 different ways and it will never be the same as what will happen, but being able to adjust from one to the next and whatever needs to happen you can handle,” said Catherine Backer.

This is the first time the department conducted a drill like this. They now plan on doing at least two or three a year.