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UT Law Enforcement Innovation Center collaborates with schools


On Friday, March 16, representatives from Clinton City and Oak Ridge City Schools attended a special event organized by State Rep. John Ragan.

The University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC) was opened to school leaders, along with elected officials to discuss the topic of school safety.

After a discussion regarding school safety statistics and prevention measures, school personnel were able to participate in a scenario simulator with a school shooting event from a law enforcement’s perspective.

The scenario simulation uses modified, real weapons and is anchored in actual, historic events.

The purpose of this event was interaction with instructors and staff at the National Forensics Academy on school shootings and other issues.

These individuals have a wealth of experience in law enforcement from the FBI level all the way through state and local levels. They also have graduate and post graduate education credentials. Additional presentations were conducted by Ricky Hill of A&A Investigation and Consulting Group and Jake White.

Director of Clinton City Schools, Kelly Johnson, stated, “The LEIC is a tremendous asset to our community. After participating in the simulation exercise, it became very apparent of the intensive amount of training and preparation required by our School Resource Officers. The rigorous training required of our SROs is a strong component of our school safety. It further solidifies our appreciation to the City of Clinton for providing this support to our staff and students. We appreciate Representative Ragan’s interest in school safety and organizing this opportunity for us to continue this important conversation.”