Report details errors in response to active shooter hoax at Savannah High School
Introduction
A recently released report sheds light on the response to an active shooter hoax at Savannah High School in the previous year. The report, conducted by the National Policing Institute (NPI), commends law enforcement for their quick initial response. However, it also highlights several communication barriers that caused confusion and raises concerns about how the situation was handled once law enforcement arrived.
Communication Barriers and Confusion
According to the after-action review by the NPI, one of the biggest problems during the response to the active shooter hoax was the presence of communication barriers between law enforcement, Savannah High staff, and parents. This led to a lack of accurate information and confusion among students, parents, and school personnel.
The report mentions that while the initial response by law enforcement was commendable, some officers were blocking the entrances and exits, which hindered the flow of information and potentially compromised the safety of individuals inside the school.
One of the key communication problems identified in the report was the inability of the 30 different law enforcement agencies involved to communicate with each other effectively. Despite the option to patch radio channels, the report states that no interagency radio patch was requested or utilized. This lack of coordination further contributed to the confusion and disorganized response.
The report also highlights the impact of misinformation spreading rapidly on social media. While officers were responding to the situation, inaccurate information spread online, causing fear and anxiety among students and parents. The report suggests that managing the dissemination of timely and accurate information on social media and other platforms is crucial in order to prevent the spread of rumors and false narratives.
Recommendations for Improvement
The report provides several recommendations to prevent similar issues in the future. One of the suggestions is for school personnel to prepare scripts before an incident occurs, which can be used as a template to deliver accurate messages and updates during an emergency. This approach may help improve the speed and clarity of communication from school staff to parents and the community.
The report also emphasizes the importance of providing accurate information quickly through social media channels. It suggests that the school district should have made accurate information available promptly on social media platforms to counteract the spread of misinformation.
Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan, representing the district, acknowledges the need for improvement in this area. She believes that providing accurate information on social media is crucial and expresses confidence that the school district has learned from this incident and will address the issue in the future.
Breakdown in Communication and Reunification Process
The report reveals a breakdown in communication between school staff and law enforcement during the incident. It states that some school officials attempted to direct law enforcement operations, while others allowed staff and students to re-enter the school before it had been thoroughly searched and deemed safe. This lack of coordination potentially posed risks to the safety of individuals inside the school.
Additionally, confusion surrounding the reunification process for students and teachers was identified. The report highlights that not only did the location of the reunification site change, but officers were unable to assist school staff or provide necessary information during the process. This further contributed to the overall confusion and disorganization.
Command Post and Unified Strategy
The report points out issues related to the command post and the lack of a clear command hierarchy. Although an incident command was quickly established, it was subsequently re-established as command-level law enforcement and public safety personnel arrived on the scene. However, the command post was relocated to an unsafe and heavily trafficked area, and some command personnel left the post to assume operational roles. This created challenges in developing and maintaining a unified strategy.
NPI Focus Groups and District Response
In order to compile the report, the NPI conducted focus groups with police and district staff. The participation of local officials was commended, as it demonstrated a commitment to improving response efforts in the event of a similar situation in the future.
The school district declined an interview but provided written responses to questions about the report’s findings. The district expressed appreciation for the immediate response from partner emergency agencies and recognized the need to learn from the incident. The district emphasized the importance of after-action reviews and collaboration with partner agencies to enhance safety and security protocols, training, and procedures.
Communication Challenges and Misinformation on Social Media
The report acknowledges the difficulty of controlling the dissemination of misinformation on social media platforms. The school district’s mission is to provide accurate information as quickly as possible, but it recognizes that it cannot compete with individuals on the scene who may post on social media without having a full understanding of the emergency and response efforts.
The district has established a general base of language to quickly communicate with parents in various emergency situations. However, relying solely on prepared scripts can also pose challenges due to the lack of specific information. The district strives to balance providing factual information with limiting the spread of rumors.
The school district covers 56 school sites spread across 426 miles in Chatham County. During major incidents, communication is often shared with parents whose children attend schools in the vicinity to avoid unnecessary concern and confusion. The district takes into account the potential impact of communication on parents whose children are not directly affected by the incident.
Responsibility for Reunification and Changing Plans
The report emphasizes that the responsibility for the reunification process lies with everyone involved, including teachers, staff, and campus police. Reunification plans typically include designated sites and traffic flow plans to ensure the safe and secure release of students to their parents or guardians. However, during an incident, plans may change due to the complexity of the situation.
Integration of School Police Dispatch Center and Radio Communication
The report confirms that the school police dispatch center will be integrated into the county’s dispatch center. The transition process is already underway, with dispatchers from the school police working in the center. The integration aims to enhance service delivery, including communication, through training, education, and a commitment to student safety.
The report also addresses the issue of different police agencies not being on the same radio channel for communication. While first responders receive training for crisis situations, their response is based on the information available at the time of the incident. The responsibility to patch radio channels can be initiated by the incident commander or the communication supervisor. Efforts are being made to enhance communication and ensure the safety of students through training, education, and collaboration with partner agencies.
Conclusion
The report on the response to the active shooter hoax at Savannah High School highlights the importance of effective communication and coordination during emergency situations. It identifies the need for improved communication between law enforcement, school staff, and parents, as well as the timely dissemination of accurate information on social media.
The report’s recommendations, such as preparing scripts for school staff and integrating the school police dispatch center, aim to enhance response efforts and ensure the safety of students and staff. By learning from the mistakes made during this incident, the school district and law enforcement agencies in Chatham County can better prepare for future events and provide a more coordinated and effective response to emergency situations.
Overall, the report serves as a valuable resource for improving safety and security protocols, training, and procedures in the school district and highlights the importance of continuous evaluation and improvement in emergency response efforts.