School violence training exercises planned in Charlotte, Stockbridge

LANSING — Police in Eaton and Ingham counties are planning active school shooter training at a pair of area districts this week.

The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Stockbridge Police Department and the Stockbridge School District for active violence training at Stockbridge High School at 9 a.m. Friday.

Separately, the Charlotte Police Department, Charlotte Fire Department and Charlotte Public Schools, as well as the Eaton County Active Violence Team, will conduct a full-scale active violence training exercise at the Charlotte High School Aug. 1.

"This is part of our continued effort to prepare and train for an effective multi-agency response to an active violence incident in the tri-county area," Charlotte police and the school district said in a statement.

Ingham County emergency officials warned that there will be a large first responder presence near Stockbridge High School Friday.

"We ask that the public avoid the area if possible. The media is welcome to attend, there will be a staging area for them," the release said.

“The Stockbridge Police Department's top priority is the safety of our students," Stockbridge Police Chief Matthew Bartus said. "We are grateful to be able to collaborate with the Stockbridge Community Schools and Ingham County Sheriff's Office to create this exemplary school safety training."

The release said law enforcement, fire personnel, dispatch and school employees will participate in a scenario to improve communication and readiness in case of a future incident.

"We certainly hope the training is never needed but we must be prepared given the prevalence of these incidents throughout our country," the release said.

In Charlotte, the high school and middle school campuses will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 1, including all athletic fields at both sites. Access drives off of State and Seminary streets will be closed. Access to the aquatic center will remain open that day via access off of Carlisle Highway.

"Be aware that there will be a high volume of first responders and vehicles arriving that day from the surrounding areas. We are asking that the public avoid the area if possible and stay clear of the training sites," Charlotte police Chief Paul Brentar said in a statement.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: School violence training exercises planned in Charlotte, Stockbridge