The Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office plans to conduct two days of law enforcement training at Dirks-Anderson Elementary School, prompting criticism from at least one community member and a pointed response from the agency.
The training is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30, according to a public notice issued by the Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said residents should expect an increased law enforcement presence in and around the school during those hours. The agency emphasized that the activity is for training purposes and that there is no cause for alarm.
Community member Nita Lusson Polk questioned the decision in a comment on the Sheriff’s Office announcement.
“The beloved elementary school is now a training ground for the sheriff department?” Polk wrote. “Fort Davis, I know you’re better than this!”
The Sheriff’s Office responded that it understood the school’s importance to the community but defended the use of the campus as necessary preparation for a potential emergency involving students.
“These exercises help ensure that if the unthinkable ever happens, our officers are prepared to respond quickly and effectively,” the agency wrote.
The Sheriff’s Office added that it was sorry the training had upset some residents but said protecting children remained its highest priority.
The public notice did not describe the specific exercises officers will conduct, identify any other participating agencies or say whether the training would involve simulated gunfire or other potentially disruptive activity. Classes are not in session during the scheduled training dates.
