Members of the Guttenberg Police Department participated in an active shooter drill at the Anna L. Klein School on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019. Organized and coordinated by the Hudson County SWAT Team, the drill simulated two scenarios – a shooter hiding within the building and a hostage situation inside a classroom – and challenged police and SWAT officers to respond in real-time.

The drill was designed to ensure that officers are fully trained and prepared for any eventuality. 

Guttenberg police officers were first on the scene in response to a mock distress call, with officers from North Bergen, Union City, and West New York entering the building minutes afterward as backup. They were followed by the SWAT Team, who took over the operation with their expertise and training in these types of situations.

The Hudson County Sheriff’s Department K9 unit was utilized to successfully track one of the suspects inside the school, while the Crisis Negotiation Team engaged in the simulated hostage situation. 

Also participating in the drill were other local first responders, including North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue and EMTs from Jersey City Medical Center, North Bergen, Union City, and Weehawken, as well as various teachers and administrators, some of whom acted as victims.

While teachers and parents were aware that a drill would be taking place, the details and date were not announced until immediately before the event. Responding officers with mock weapons had no advance knowledge of the prepared scenario inside the building and had to react in real-time as if in a live situation.

Months of planning went into the 2.5 hour event, with extensive coordination between the different agencies and the school. The exercise was followed by a detailed debriefing about the highly effective operation, including any details that could be improved upon.  

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