In an alarming turn of events, the Burlington, Vermont Police Department has extended an apology following an unexpected enactment of a mass shooting scenario in a high school field trip. The incident not only terrified the students who had no prior warning of the event but also resulted in minor injuries.
Details of the Unanticipated Incident
The incident took place during a presentation at the Burlington police station where around 20 students were learning about the procedures that detectives employ to solve crime mysteries. Without any hint of what was about to unfold, the students suddenly found themselves subjected to chilling screams and a masked gunman bursting into the room. Fake bullets were fired, and the room was filled with gunshot sounds, causing the panic-stricken students to seek cover.
Student Reactions and Aftermath
A student from Burlington High School narrated her intense reaction to the local news outlet, Seven Days. She confessed to having texted her mother in the belief that she was about to lose her life. Another student got her knee scraped while taking cover from the make-believe shooter. The students eventually understood the fake nature of the incident upon observing that the police present in the room weren’t attempting to halt the shooter.
Teachers and the Police: Where Were the Gaps?
Teachers later explained in an email to the parents that they had not been informed either of the drill or its sudden execution. The police had assured the teachers of having past experience conducting similar drills with college students and adults, aiming for utmost realism. They mentioned having received an apology from the detectives who acknowledged the unsuitability of such a reenactment for high school students.
The Police Department’s Retrospection and Apology
Upon reflection, the Burlington Police Department expressed to Seven Days their regret over the incident. They clarified that their intentions were to provide a realistic demonstration of a robbery scenario and to highlight the factor of witness fallibility. The department admitted having got approval from the school district for the drill. However, they issued an apology to any students who could have been disturbed by the specific scenario and criminal scene segment of the presentation.
Public Reaction: Is it too much realism?
One parent expressed disbelief at the incidence, voicing her concerns over the reality of school shooting threats that students face today. She questioned the appropriateness of subjecting children to such an intense and realistic scenario without previously alerting them.
In conclusion, while the realistic presentation by the Burlington Police Department was intended for educational purposes, its execution indicates a lack thereof in considering the potential psychological impact on young students. It serves as a reminder of the need for sensitization and careful planning while conducting such drills, coupled with prior intimation to the involved parties.