Half of the New Iberia Police Department engaged in active shooter training Tuesday morning at New Iberia Senior High School. 

New Iberia Police Chief Todd D’Albor said the training was being done in preparation of the upcoming school year, noting the police officers could use the training for any serious shooter situation. Training will continue for the other half of the department Thursday. 

“I hope we never have to do something of that magnitude, but we want to be sure we’re prepared for it,” D’Albor said. 

NIPD officers were stationed at the end of one of the NISH hallways and divided into groups during the exercise. 

D’Albor said similar training will be done often by the local police officers in conjunction with the Iberia Parish School Board. 

“We’re going to do it often to prepare, and we’re preparing to train with the school system administrators,” D’Albor said. (Iberia Parish Superintendent of Schools) Ms. (Carey) Laviolette and I have a great relationship.”

There also have been talks between D’Albor and Laviolette about possible training later this month to coordinate the policies of the NIPD and Iberia Parish School Board. 

The NIPD currently has two school resource officers — one at Anderson Middle School and another at NISH. The active shooter training Tuesday even had simulated firing of blank cartridges to give a more realistic feeling to a  potential shooter situation. 

“We want to make sure of knowing what our conduct should be to keep everyone safe,” D’Albor said.