The men and women of the Evesham Police Department would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by the senseless shooting in Newtown, CT. This horrific crime is especially difficult to cope with because of the innocence of the young victims involved. Our hearts go out to all the families and first responders involved in the tragedy that continues to unfold.
The Evesham Police Department would like to keep the residents of Evesham Township informed on how we prepare and would respond to a similar event. The Evesham Police Department has and will continue to work closely with the Evesham Fire Department, Evesham School District and all other local schools in developing and implementing security polices to protect students and school faculty. Evesham Police Department is trained to address active shooter situation and routinely conducts training in schools to familiarize officers with the elements involved in such a dynamic situation.
Evesham Police began training for active shooter events in schools after the Columbine School massacre in 1999. Officers are trained to immediately make dramatic entries inside of a location and engage active threats, with the intentions of neutralizing the assailant(s). The Evesham Police routinely hold mock active shooter events at the Cherokee High School, where officers train under very realistic conditions.
When children return to school on Monday, families should expect to see an increased Evesham Police presence at all schools in Evesham Township. The increase in patrols is being done as a reassurance measure for parents, teachers and students, and not because of any threat.
Please immediately report any suspicious behavior or activity to the Evesham Police.
