ALICE Training

[David Vaughn]

Question for the Board members...

How many have attended ALICE Training, and did you find it effective? www.alicetraining.com/

While in Arizona, we used the Lockdown method in controlling the school environment. Immediately prior to my retirement in 2011, many schools in Arizona began looking at the ALICE method in keeping the school environment safe. There were many discussions on this new concept of school safety, with the full range of differing opinions.

What are your thoughts if you've attended this training? And if you have implemented this technique within your school(s), how was it honestly received and/or perceived with the student body, staff (including support staff, ie kitchen staff, janitorial, maintenance, etc) and parents. The general concensus of the community would be thought provoking as well.

Thanks in advance for your replies, as they will help me prior to our training.

- David

[Mike Lewis]

I am an ALICE instructor and we have implemented this in our schools. I have also gone around and taught this in several schools in our area as well. It does not do away with lock down, but it adds commons sense suggestions on how to survive if your locked door is breached or if intruder gets in before you can lock the door

[David Vaughn]

Thanks for your reply, Mike.

City of Gallatin sent our Chief and I to this 16 hour block of training the past two days. As mentioned above, I knew only the Lockdown method, WITHOUT barricading the door(s).

My eyes have been opened as while Lockdown is a good stratagem when the class is unable to evacuate, there are many more options with the ALICE Concept.

Like Mike, Chief and I are now certified to present this new safety technique to not only our local schools, but local businesses as well. I have also opted to look at spreading this message nationwide through additional training. At present, I have the support of my Department, so we shall see what the future holds. Retirement is a great thing!

Getting back on track, if you have yet to attend ALICE Training, I highly recommend you do so as soon as practical. The first scenario you are put through during your practical exercises will definitely get your heart rate up with the high level of anxiety you will be placed under. That's all I'm gonna say about it!

- David