The Robb Elementary School shooting took place in Uvalde (Texas) on the 24th May 2022 at midday. Nineteen innocent victims were killed in the school attack. The police response to the attack has been heavily criticised. Many are now taking safety in schools much more seriously.
Safety in Texas Schools
The Controlled F.O.R.CE. was notified on May 25th. The South Region office received a phone call from the Southside Independent Schools District (SISD), San Antonio, TX. The request was to post armed Controlled F.O.R.C.E. eight security personnel were posted in their public schools across the district.
The discussions, negotiations, as well as logistical activities, continued into the night hours of May 25th. Controlled F.O.R.CE. was able to execute armed service at all eight locations using their network security professionals.
The original Controlled F.O.R.C.E. opportunity was only for the 26th and 27th of May. The original opportunity for Controlled F.O.R.C.E. was only for the 26th-27th of May. They were able to support and manage services effectively, and the two-day service was extended to last two weeks.
Through continued discussions and the ability for the superintendent to deliver his message and to ensure safe schools, Controlled F.O.R.C.E. was finally achieved. Services continued throughout the summer school period. It was concluded with the delivery of the five-day CRATE Course at Southside ISD high School the week of July 18th 2022.
The Controlled F.O.R.C.E. The company’s OPERATION SAFE HARBOR initiative includes the Controlled F.O.R.C.E. This initiative is ideal to address ways to improve school safety, and create safe learning environments.
A well-attended class focusing on school safety and security
This weeklong course was attended by approximately twenty people from all over the country. The course was attended by individuals from several law enforcement agencies, the US Navy, US Air force, as well as private security agencies. All of them had the same goal: to train to do better in responding to school violence or active shooter situations at schools.
Texas is taking on the responsibility of keeping our children safe by putting more emphasis on safety in schools.
It was heartbreaking to learn that a classmate lost two of his loved ones at Uvalde that terrible day. This happened while he was at post outside the school. This event was very personal for everyone who attended, some more than others.
Here’s how the week went.
Meeting the Team and Mechanical advantage Control Holds (MACH training)
Don Tijerina, the chief of Southside ISD Police met us upon our arrival at Southside ISD High school. We were warmly greeted by the Chief with handshakes and then we exchanged business cards.
Our team loved the school’s highly secure environment. The security tower was located on the campus and you had to drive up to show your ID.
Chief Tijerina informed us that ten (soon to become fifteen) police officers are currently on campus. The school is also protected by a private security firm. Southside Independent School District is a leader in school safety. This created a safe school environment for students and staff on campus.
We were soon greeted with twenty of the most skilled first responders and defenders our country has to offer. It was amazing to see how hungry, eager, and ready these students were for the challenge.
Even a female correctional officer drove five hours after her 12-hour work shift to get into training. She paid for it herself.
It was a remarkable group.
Training Day One
Controlled F.O.R.C.E. was our first day of training. The class was led by Wayne Parker and Bill Norvell, Master Instructors. They led the class through eight hours worth of back-toback warmups, close range subject control, and weapon training. They also trained in person and as a team for takedowns. The class was also introduced the Controlled F.O.R.C.E. MACH Training System.
The class soon began to practice MACH holds 1-5, and takedowns. Soon, they were handcuffed and drilling each other onto the mats. They then practiced team tactics where they had two teams of hook, control, and or take down a bad man. They were not allowed to use strikes or cause injury to the subject.
It was Defensive Tactics training for the next two days. This included drills and scenarios in which officers broke up fights between students.
One of the highlights of the week was when six of the US Navy’s top Commanders decided that they would surprise spot check their team to see how the training was progressing. It was an honor to meet these Commanders.
Enter the Glass House
Days three and four were Controlled F.O.R.C.E. Aaron Murauskas, Senior Director, joined Bill and Wayne for some great glass house training. It was magical to watch them work together.
They taped orange cones with cop tape and had the class practice hall clearing, room clearing, and plugging doors together. They started with training pistols and then moved on to long guns.
It was a joy to see these students interact with their instructors. Each student was eager to improve and accepted criticisms and corrections. They also pivoted to change bad habits. This group of students was serious and it showed.
Daily, the camaraderie between students and instructors grew. Students even joined the office team for pizza night on Thursday. It was a long week with seventeen-hour work days for Controlled F.O.R.CE. It was clear to everyone that the week was not over.
Take it to the school
It all came together on day five. Mr. Tony Grano (Controlled F.O.R.C.E Executive director) and Mr. Mike Costa, (Deputy Executive Director of Controlled F.O.R.C.E.). They greeted the class, and then joined the three other instructors in demonstrating drills. The instructors then got the class all dressed up and headed into the school.
It was time for drills to prepare for an active shooter scenario. It was an honor to see the class put together their weeklong training. This included clearing hallways, stairways and classrooms.
God forbid that another active threat occurs. These brave men and women will be there if/when it happens. They will save lives.
Final Thoughts
It was amazing to see the readiness of these military departments, agencies, or branches to learn and train to instill safety in schools. Throughout the week, their confidence and skills grew exponentially.
I want to thank them all for their hard work in class. They are doing so much to improve and protect the school community. It made me feel proud.
Southside Independent School District is doing incredible things and making a heroic effort for their children and faculty safety. They will do everything possible to ensure that no child is ever killed by an active shooter. I only hope that other school districts across the country will follow their example.
Many social media users are able to voice their opinions on the events at Uvalde. These people love to share their opinions on safety in schools. To them, I say, “If you don’t like the things you see, stop talking and get up to do something to make it better.”
There are dedicated Defenders and companies such as Controlled F.O.R.C.E. They are willing to spend time and resources, some of their own money, to protect our nation’s most valuable assets, our children.
I want to thank all of you who have done and continue to do what you can to keep these children safe.
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Personal Defense World published the post Safety in Texas Schools – Taking Charge, Training & Learning to Do Better originally appeared on Personal Defense World.
