The Hoover Police Department recently hosted Alabama’s first School Resource Officer Tactical Assailant Response (STAR) course, bringing 22 officers together for specialized training focused on responding to active threats on school campuses.

The three-day course was held at Brock’s Gap Intermediate School and marked the first time the training has been hosted by a law enforcement agency in Alabama. Hoover Police described the course as a first-of-its-kind training program in the state.

According to police, the program is designed to prepare school resource officers to respond quickly and effectively during active assailant incidents, including situations in which they may be the first officer on the scene.

The STAR course was developed by the National Association of School Resource Officers, a nonprofit school safety organization headquartered in Hoover. The training is intended specifically for school resource officers and focuses on situations in which they may need to respond before additional officers arrive.

NASRO Executive Director Mo Canady said the course addresses challenges unique to officers assigned to schools.

“Solo response to assailant situations in schools requires a highly specialized skill set that we want to see all SROs equipped with,” Canady said.

Participants worked through realistic scenarios designed to help officers make rapid decisions during school emergencies, including situations in which they may need to confront a threat before additional officers arrive.

Training also included decision-making exercises and instruction on de-escalation strategies and use-of-force considerations in complex situations.

“Seconds are precious in an active assailant event, and a fast, safe and effective SRO response saves lives,” Canady said. “This course will prepare SROs to serve as the first line of defense, ready to immediately confront threats to their school campuses.”

NASRO plans to offer the STAR course at locations across the country. The organization, founded in 1991, works with school-based law enforcement officers, administrators and school safety professionals to promote safer learning environments.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].