Collins’ legislation requires schools to practice responding to shootings
Katharine Eastvold
Published: April 25, 2013
State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins
www.SenatorJacquelineCollins.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
April 25, 2013 Katharine Eastvold 217-782-0591
keastvold@senatedem.ilga.gov
Collins’ legislation requires schools to practice responding to shootings
Police must partner with schools on shooting incident and suspicious person drills
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-16th) sponsored legislation, which passed the Senate without opposition Tuesday, requiring schools to conduct drills that simulate shooting incidents and incidents of suspicious persons on school property.
“After Newtown, Columbine and other tragic school shootings, we owe it to our children and teachers to prepare for the worst, even as we address mental health and the root causes of school violence,” Collins said. “Students will be safer if police, school security officers, administrators and teachers all understand best practices for protecting occupants in the event that a person enters the school intent on doing harm.”
Public and private schools in Illinois are already required to conduct drills that teach students and personnel to respond to a fire or natural disaster. They may also simulate bomb threats, hazardous materials and other law enforcement situations. Collins’ legislation, Senate Bill 1625, would require schools to prepare for suspicious person incidents and shootings as well as natural events. It also requires local law enforcement agencies to participate in these drills and to notify schools if they find deficiencies in their response plans.
“Fostering an active relationship between school personnel and police is one of the most effective ways to safeguard students,” Collins said. “Open lines of communication and common protocols should be in place before a crisis ever occurs. My legislation underscores that this partnership is critical, not optional.”
SB 1625 will next be considered by the House.
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