FROM BOZEMAN POLICE:

Along with the nation, the Bozeman Public School District and the Bozeman Police Department are closely watching the school shooting tragedy unfold today at an elementary school in Connecticut. In the process, we are receiving questions and concerns from parents regarding the safety measures in our schools. As our two organizations work closely on school safety issues, we felt it was appropriate to send this joint press release.

 

We take the safety and security of our schools seriously and as such we have developed several key strategies related to school safety.

 

We have emergency procedures for every building. We have specific emergency procedures for intruders in the building. With support and guidance from the police department we practice these procedures throughout the school year.

On a typical school day, all of our buildings have limited access during with specific visitor check in procedures. Visitors are required to check in at the main office and wear a visitor identification badge. Our staff has been trained to stop and question those who are not wearing a badge.

We take all reports seriously and we work closely with our School Resource Officers when we believe there is a potential threat. As an example, this past week we had a suspicion of an intruder at Bozeman High School and our lock down procedure worked effectively. The building was searched and students were safe until we were sure that the intruder was not in the building.

 

A helpful resource for parents when talking to their child about crisis and tragedy is available on the school district website at www.bsd7.org under the “District News” heading. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s school counselor if they need further guidance. The Bozeman School District and the Bozeman Police Department have enjoyed a long-standing relationship that allows them to work closely together and quickly respond to this matter. Our thoughts go out to all of the families and friends of those affected by this tragic event today in Connecticut.

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