Gill said El Paso police had already begun working on a disaster preparedness plan two years ago. I can't go into a lot of detail on it, because we don't want kids to be able to counter attack. He said emergency preparedness teams and schools have regular response drills just as they have fire drills. Code words Elementary, middle and high schools now have code words, usually a specific name, that is announced over the PA system to alert teachers and students to an intruder on campus or of a threat of violence against the school. Deputy Chief of Police Jim Carny added that El Paso police can be used as a resource by school administration if a threat has been received.
Police can increase patrols in the area, document incidents, and take action, if a crime occurs.
They also can provide both foot and bike patrols during peak times, such as students' lunch hours. We work with them to get the program off of the ground, then the school and PTA take ownership. Student informants Andress, Irvin, and Parkland are piloting this program. According to Det. Doris Provencio, students can anonymously call and leave information about a crime happening at their school.