Great Falls Public Schools to Conduct ‘Armed Intruder Training’

GREAT FALLS — On Friday, November 1, 2024, Great Falls Public Schools will conduct “armed intruder training.”

The training will be conducted in 20 GFPS schools and approximately 1,250 GFPS employees will participate in it.

All GFPS schools, campuses and playgrounds will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Only GFPS employees and law enforcement officers will be allowed on the property and facilities.

There will be signs asking you to leave the campus. During the day you will hear simulated shots and gun sounds.

In a press release, GFPS said it is implementing several proactive safety measures to protect students, staff and visitors as part of its commitment to ensuring healthy and safe schools.

One aspect of the GFPS strategic plan is to provide armed intruder training in every school. To facilitate this training, all schools will be closed to students and visitors on Friday.

The agency said: “While we hope to never encounter an armed intruder, we believe we are prepared for any emergency. This training is a key element in ensuring that our staff and students know how to respond effectively should such a situation ever arise. The training will focus on equipping our staff with knowledge and strategies to protect students, as well as working closely with law enforcement to ensure a coordinated response. We recognize that safety includes not only preventing and preparedness for external threats, but also supporting a positive and nurturing school climate.”

The training will put Great Falls Public Schools employees in simulated situations related to school safety and active shooter threats.

The aim of the training is to support staff in understanding the importance of school safety and to enable them to respond to simulations inside schools.

Campuses are expected to open after 3:30 p.m. and normal scheduled classes will begin.