In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the current security situation in light of recent events in Georgia, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in local schools. The meeting included key figures such as Chief Dreiff and School Resource Officers (SROs), who outlined ongoing training and safety initiatives.

One of the primary focuses is the ALICE training program—an acronym for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate—designed to prepare students for emergency situations. This fall, the program will be expanded to include freshmen who missed training last year, alongside mock drills in collaboration with the Cheshire Police Department. Additionally, a video script for middle school students is being developed to ensure comprehensive safety education across all grade levels.

The meeting also highlighted the implementation of a communication enhancement system called Mutual Link, which aims to improve coordination between the school district and local law enforcement. Despite some initial challenges, efforts are underway to ensure its timely deployment.

Concerns were raised regarding the current staffing of SROs in schools, as the Cheshire Police Department is facing a shortage of officers. Currently, only two SROs are assigned to the schools, and their availability has been affected by the department's need to cover road duties. Officials noted that while the SROs are not present full-time, their role in fostering relationships with students remains crucial for maintaining safety and addressing potential threats.

The discussion also touched on the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) as a preventive measure against school violence. Officials reiterated the need for community vigilance and encouraged reporting any concerning behavior through available channels, emphasizing that many school shootings have been perpetrated by individuals connected to the school environment.

As the meeting concluded, there was a consensus on the necessity of restoring full-time SRO presence in schools by January, contingent on the police department's staffing improvements. The officials expressed their commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for students, highlighting the integral role of SROs in building trust and communication within the school community.