As Chatham County’s schools prepare for the start of classes, the local sheriff’s office is working to make schools safer. 

On August 13, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office conducted its annual active shooter drill. The high-intensity training allows officers to practice split-second decision-making in an environment mimicking the chaos and stress of a real emergency, according to a release.

Led by CCSO’s Special Incident Response Team (SIRT) and its Student Resource Officers (SROs), the simulated emergency exercise took place in the empty hallways of Seaforth High School, where classes do not start until August 26. Participants wore full protective gear and used non-lethal simulation rounds that mimic the noise and feel of live ammunition, while also clearing classrooms, coordinating communication, and neutralizing threats. 

“This is a serious, fast-moving scenario meant to reflect the kind of situation no one ever wants to face, but everyone needs to be ready for,” Sheriff’s Office Captain Ronnie Miller said in the release. “The skills we build in these drills are crucial, not only for our schools, but for any public space where a rapid response could mean the difference between life and death.”

Chatham County Sheriff’s Office deputies wear protective gear for the simulated active shooter drill at Seaforth High School. (Image via Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.)

The training is part of CCSO’s ongoing effort to enhance school safety. In 2023, five juveniles were charged with the threat of violence against Chatham Middle. While an authority investigation deemed the threatening messages to be a prank, the sheriff’s office and school system both highlighted how school safety and preparedness is a continuing priority.

The drill conducted every summer also helps reinforce the working relationship between the sheriff’s office and CCS, according to the release. 

“Our SROs are embedded in our schools for a reason,” Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson said. “They’re there not only to protect, but also to build relationships with students and staff. Drills like this strengthen their ability to respond to crises and help ensure that everyone on campus feels safer knowing there’s a trained professional close by.”

And before CCS students return to class in the fall, sheriff’s office personnel are continuing to finalize safety plans, review procedures, and prepare for the unexpected, according to the release.

Featured image via Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. 

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