In the newest installment of Community Policing, BTPD Chief James Gallagher talks about the importance of relationships with local schools with the new Schools Superintendent, Rick West. Gallagher and West spoke on a number of topics, with a focus on public safety and the need for partnership among various entities within the community.
Highlights include:
1:42 – review of 2023 active shooter training and need for first responders to be proactive.
4:39 – use of ALICE system to deal with emergency responses.
11:56 – how parents can partner with law enforcement and schools to help in preventing potential threats.
West stated, “we have to make sure that the preparedness of our first responders and our school staff should be a model for best practices.”
He added, “we are in an unfortunate reality where this is the professional development that we need to have, among our staff and students in the event of a critical, violent incident occurs in our buildings. It’s about practice and partnership to ensure safety.”
Chief Gallaher spoke of the importance of sharing and cooperation. “Having these conversations is important. Students hear things in the lunch line, they hear things where another student may or may not be joking. But that’s a determination for students to bring to us and school staff so that we can vet that out and make sure we are not dealing with someone in crisis.”
Their discussion provides a framework for Safe Schools Week in Michigan, which runs from October 21-25. This event provides an opportunity for students, school staff, and community members to participate in activities, events, and conversations regarding issues affecting school safety.
All episodes of Community Policing are available via YouTube.
Learn more about BTPD via the Township Website and Facebook.
Bloomfield Township Police Department (BTPD) is a dynamic, progressive, and professional organization that envisions a safe and secure community where the rights, history, and culture of each citizen are valued and respected. Established in 1957, BTPD preserves the peace and prosperity of the Township’s community with fairness, integrity, pride, and respect.