University Police to Host Training Session
The University of South Dakota Police Department, in coordination with other regional agencies, will conduct a preparedness training exercise next week. The training will take place on May 15 from 8 a.m. to noon.
The training was designed to, hopefully, enhance our preparedness for critical incidents that may occur on campus.
“The main objectives are to improve communication, coordination and response times among all safety personnel, ensure clarity in roles during an emergency, and ultimately to strengthen the safety of the USD community,” UPD Police Chief Byrant Jackson said.
This training was initiated as part of UPD’s ongoing commitment to proactive safety measures. It addresses the growing need for coordinated responses to complex emergencies.
“Our goal is to stay ahead of potential risks by ensuring our first responders and safety staff are thoroughly trained and prepared,” Jackson said.
Jackson will lead the training scenario which will cover a range of topics including active threat response, emergency medical coordination, evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures. It will also include interagency communication protocols and decision-making under pressure.
“While we’ve been fortunate to avoid major incidents recently, past events, both on other campuses and in our own region, have underscored how quickly things can unfold,” Jackson said. “Whether it’s a medical emergency in a residence hall or a false alarm that causes widespread concern, we’ve learned that preparation and training are key to minimizing risk and maintaining trust.”
These large-scale training sessions happen annually, with smaller, more targeted exercises happening throughout the year.
“The training gives first responders the tools and confidence they need to act quickly, safely and collaboratively,” Jackson said. “By practicing these scenarios in advance, they build muscle memory, improve communication and develop leadership in high-pressure situations.”
The training is a collaboration between UPD, USD, Vermillion Fire EMS Department, Vermillion Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Clay Area Emergency Services Communication Center and more community first responders.
“Through joint training, we learn each other’s operational styles and expectations, which leads to smoother coordination when real incidents occur,” Jackson said. “It also fosters a shared sense of responsibility for the safety of our campus and community.”
Jackson says that safety is a shared responsibility and that the awareness and participation of students, faculty and staff make a difference. He encourages everyone to stay informed and take part in these training opportunities when they arise.
