A.L.I.C.E. Protocol Information

ALICE is a non-sequential, emergency protocol that goes well beyond traditional lockdown methods by providing individuals with more options that increase odds of survival during a violent crisis incident. The acronym stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate.

We realize that a violent intruder event can happen any time, any place and for any reason. Consequently, we determined that there is a new standard-of-care which includes introducing proactive, options-based strategies for use if a violent intruder enters a school to conduct harm. Federal and state government recommendations and major law enforcement associations support the employment of these strategies. We have a responsibility to those in our care and employment to do all we can to prepare them for such a rare event, not only in our location but wherever they may find themselves.

Yes, there will be a time when centralized control will be lost. In all past school violent intruder incidents, control is always lost during the initial part of an attack. At that point an attacker is in control. Proactive actions on behalf of potential victims will create chaos. However, the assailant will have to operate in chaos also, making his job of hurting others much more difficult.

Know that an alert can come from the incident itself and not the school. This is an aspect of the ALICE training that staff and students experience. Schools currently use their public address systems to broadcast all crisis alerts. The District will be implementing a new system later this year where all staff in a building will have the ability to initiate a real ALICE Emergency if warranted using an app installed on their Android or iOS capable phone. That notification will also trigger a notification to every computer in the building and the Troy Police Department.

ALICE training teaches the skills needed to “Counter” an attacker’s ability to cause harm through violence and shooting. It does not teach fighting. ALICE uses the concepts of noise, movement, distance, and distractions to make carrying out a violent act very difficult, and if appropriate, teach a swarm technique to take back control as a last resort. All recommendations and training are conducted at age and ability appropriate levels.

All training with students on ALICE including this year’s crisis drills will NOT include simulated gunfire. However, we will still be practicing ALICE elements with students throughout this school year.

The District has one School Resource Officer (John Julian). We have a collaborative relationship with leaders in the City of Troy and the Troy Police Department such that in the event that an increased presence is desired on any campus, the Troy Police Department meets the need. Both parties continue to place value on the School Resource Officer position and maintain a commitment to keeping this in place in the Troy School District.

As we have done with school closings or other important school-related incidents, School Messenger will be used to communicate with parents about any threatening situation.

Our District Crisis Committee is constantly evaluating safety and security measures and evaluating options. While we implement ALICE across the District we will continue to evaluate measures like video surveillance coverage and secure entry procedures and many other strategies intended to provide secure environments.