SJPD conducts active shooter drill to strengthen police preparedness

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Police Department recently conducted a comprehensive active shooter training event designed to enhance officer readiness and improve community safety in the face of potential critical incidents.

The training comes as schools across the nation continue to face the grim reality of gun violence. According to an Education Week analysis, there have already been 7 school shootings this year, resulting in injuries or deaths. Since 2018, there have been 228 of these shootings nationwide. These sobering figures highlight the urgent need for preparedness and swift action in the event of a school shooting or other active shooter scenario.

The recent drill, held at Skaith Elementary School, brought together law enforcement personnel to participate in realistic, scenario-based drills under the guidance of the department’s Training Unit.

“We just want to reassure people that we are doing everything we can to make sure things are as safe as possible,” said Shannon Nulte, Director of Student Services with St. Joseph School District. “In this world, we just don’t know when these kinds of threats might pop up, but we are as prepared as we can be. We continue to learn. We continue to grow and keep things safer and safer.” 

Led by Major John Olszowka and Officer Peters, the event emphasized quick response tactics, coordination between units, threat neutralization, and civilian rescue operations.

Officers engaged in multiple high-stress simulations designed to mirror real-life active shooter scenarios, focusing on both individual decision-making and team-based strategies

“It kind of gives you the sense of how you’d react in these situations,” said one of SJPD’s newest officers, Matthew Weathermon, “ It’s something that not a lot of people really think about how or what they’ll do in a scenario like this so it’s good to get the exposure.”

As threats and challenges evolve, the SJPD remains proactive in ensuring its officers are prepared—not only to respond but to lead with professionalism and confidence during any emergency.

For more information on officer training visit the Police Training website.