In addition to normal camp activities, children who attend city-sponsored camps in Lafayette this week will also be trained on how to respond to an active shooter. Lafayette Police Corporal Matthew Benoit said it’s a growing concern that can’t be ignored.
“It’s definitely unfortunate, however, it’s necessary that we address this, and these are the conversations that we have to talk about, we have to face what’s going on across the country. It’s tough conversations but it’s things that we need to talk about,” said Benoit.
The presentation covers topics like what to do if you come across a gun and what to do at school if there’s an active shooter. Benoit said two school resource officers who already have a working relationship with students are presenting the program to children ages 9 to 12, and they are able to talk to children like they are children.
“In a friendly and fun way but also providing them with a lot of great information. Almost making some of the drills that they did more of a game,” said Benoit.
In addition to how to respond appropriately at school, they also instruct children on how to be more aware of their surroundings outside of school and if they see something out of the norm to say something. Benoit said they cover how to respond in a variety of situations.
“Different courses of action for these kids to have some kind of working knowledge to give themselves the best-case scenario when they’re trying to get to a safe position in a dangerous event,” said Benoit.
Resource officers are also teaching campers the proper way to respond to any threat of violence, not just an active shooter.
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