ALBANY, N.Y. (WCAX) – New rules for active shooter drills in New York will take effect this upcoming school year.
New York education officials say law enforcement agencies will no longer be allowed to use actors, props or depictions of violence for drills during a school day.
In our region, the New York State Police say they never use students, limit their use of props, and notify families at least one week before a drill takes place.
Advocates of the new rules say the changes will help reduce the trauma caused by active shooter drills. Others argue the more realistic a drill is, the more prepared a student will be.
“We want to bring your pulse rate down to understand what is going to happen during a drill. And if you have muscle memory, you can work through anything,” said NYSP Trooper James D’Ambro.