By Hazel Scott/ASU
Alabama State University (ASU) is set to host a comprehensive three-day immersive Critical Incident Response Training session for Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) and other regional partners. This vital initiative, a collaboration between ASU's Preventing School Violence (PSV) program, the ASU Office of Public Safety and Central Alabama Crime Stoppers, aims to bolster school safety and crisis preparedness.
The training will commence daily at 9 a.m. from Wednesday, July 30, 2025, through Friday, August 1, 2025, at ASU’s Ralph David Abernathy Hall, located at 1625 Harris Way.
"Alabama State University is proud to host this vital training, bringing together professionals from across the region," stated Avionne Ruffin, director of the PSV program.
The event features a 24-hour Critical Incident Response Training course and a session from the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO). The programs are designed to equip law enforcement officers, school security personnel, and administrative staff with advanced strategies for managing crises, active shooter situations, threat assessments, and school-based policing. Key focuses include identifying school threats, enhancing emergency operations planning, and clarifying law enforcement roles during critical incidents. The NASRO component will emphasize fostering safer school environments and cultivating positive student-school resource officer relationships.
About 50 participants per training track are expected, including law enforcement professionals, community leaders, and educators dedicated to enhancing school safety.
"This event underscores ASU's leadership in community engagement and public safety preparedness, highlighting the impact of such initiatives on both K–12 education and campus safety culture," Ruffin added.