Police Emergency Plan for High Schools

The Richland Police Department has developed Emergency Response Plans for critical incidents that occur at Hanford High School or Richland High School. The anniversary date for the Columbine High School mass shooting is April 20. Past school shootings and other incidents of school violence have corresponded to this anniversary date. While the Richland Police Department's plans were prepared in consideration of the upcoming Columbine anniversary, the plans will be useful for incidents occurring at any time of the year.

"We thank the police department for their support in developing these detailed tactical plans," said Deputy Superintendent Jean Lane. "They are the experts in knowing how to deal with high risk incidents."

District Emergency Plan

For the safety of students, employees and visitors to school facilities, the Richland School District has an Emergency Response Plan in place that includes procedures for evacuations and for locking down buildings. Our plan's objectives are to respond to any emergency, crisis or disaster; to know where our students are; and to communicate with parents and the media.

Our plan includes evacuating students and employees to a backup location should the need arise. This enables the District to more easily account for students and employees, and to provide a safe place until students are reunited with their parents at the backup school, or at home if the students are transported.

If you have any questions about the District's Emergency Response Plan, contact Mark Panther, Executive Director of Support Services, at 967-6112. If you want to review a specific school's emergency plan, contact the school principal directly.