State working with schools and first responders on school safety

Almost every school in America has some type of system or code for emergency response, similar to police and fire departments.

“First responders and teachers don’t use the same language,” Guy Bliesner, a school safety analyst explained. “The words may be the same, the meaning is utterly different.”

Now the state of Idaho is working with teachers and first responders to create a uniform code that both sides can use and understand.

This move would allow both sides to be on the same page and make the needs of those in trouble clearer to emergency services.

The group is meeting with people all over the Gem State for the next two weeks, looking for input on these changes.

If everything goes as planned, the program would be ready for use at the start of the next academic year.

It would not, however, be mandatory. All schools in Idaho will have the choice to participate.

Preston Police Chief Mike Peterson explained that this system would be “hugely beneficial.”

“You have to have a line of communication between police, fire, ambulance and the schools and even the state really.”

Peterson said that if police officers know what actions have already been taken by the school, it improves their ability to respond and makes their job easier.

Interestingly, most of these measures are based on preparation for an active shooter situation, in a state that’s never had one.

43 of the 50 states have had one, but not Idaho. There have been “weapons on campus incidents” but never a death or injury, outside of accidental discharges.

But the state does have an alarmingly high adolescent suicide rate. A fact that safety analyst’s like Bliesner keep a close eye on.

“We do know that school shootings and suicidality are linked.”

About 80 percent of school shootings are suicides according to Bliesner.

“They’re just suicides grandly. So because we have that high suicide rate, it puts us at risk,” he explained.

Bliesner inspects 283 schools a year. He arrives early and attempts to gain entry to the school without visible credentials, seeing how far he can get without being stopped.

“I try and get in, wander around, see how they treat a pasty white guy who looks threatening to a buffet line,” he joked.

That’s just one step of the process he says is “very holistic.”

During today’s meeting at Idaho State University, Bliesner explained the concept to a room of about 15 teachers, administrators and first responders, all seemingly warm to the change.

In addition to the “codes,” a tipline is being set up as well. All as a result of the acquisition of two federal grants, totaling $540,439.

If the plan comes to full fruition schools should have everything they need, including the support and training materials at no cost, by June or July.