Sergeant Tyron Wall from Dunedin explained that the scenario entailed two offenders entering the school grounds with weapons, resulting in multiple students sustaining injuries ranging from minor to severe. Approximately 30 AOS staff, along with two local officers, participated in the drill. Additionally, 30 senior students, as well as a few teachers and parents, helped create a realistic setting for the exercise.
The AOS teams were strategically deployed into the school in a staggered formation to simulate a genuine environment for dealing with the offenders and providing aid to the injured individuals. This exercise also served as an opportunity to practice the school’s lockdown procedure with the students, for which Sgt Wall expressed gratitude towards the school and the community for their support.
Sgt Wall emphasized the invaluable nature of police training in such scenarios, highlighting the numerous important lessons learned during the exercise. Furthermore, the event allowed students and members of the community to interact with police and AOS staff, gaining insight into their training and operations.
Principal Mason Stretch of Cromwell College described the exercise as a valuable learning experience, providing a realistic and memorable insight into the work of the AOS. The collaborative effort between law enforcement, students, and the community showcased the importance of preparedness and cooperation in handling critical situations.
