News Release

College police hosting "Quick Action Deployment" training

April 10, 2008

A “Quick Action Deployment” training session hosted by Penn State Harrisburg Thursday, April 17 will expand college and municipal law enforcement abilities to deal with an active shooter incident.

Five Penn State Harrisburg officers and others from nearby departments will undergo the training delivered by the North American SWAT Training Association. The eight-hour session will include four hours of classroom instruction and four hours of practical field exercises.

“The training will focus on dealing with an active shooter incident,” says college Police Chief Kevin Stoehr. “It will further prepare us on how to respond to an active shooter incident as a first responder and how to handle both the shooter and any victims.”

He continues, “Neighboring departments are involved in the training since we would be partnering with them initially in the event of an emergency situation here on campus or in the nearby community.”

“The practice of quick action deployment is designed to enable law enforcement officers to rapidly address a situation and mitigate damage,” adds Penn State Harrisburg Police Lt. William Gelgot.

Throughout the summer, Penn State Harrisburg Safety and Police Services will practice the training by executing “building specific” drills. Involving other local police units participating in the April 17 training, the drills are designed to bolster coordinated response to an active shooter incident on campus.