New Police Training Programs for Emergency Readiness Announced by
San Jose Mayor and Police Chief

“San Jose SAFER” – Security Actions for Emergency Readiness –
to strengthen police preparedness for anti-terrorism, disasters

San Jose, CA ---- New San Jose police training programs to enhance emergency preparedness and disaster response were announced today by San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales and Police Chief William Lansdowne.

The proposed “San Jose SAFER” program – Security Actions for Emergency Readiness – will strengthen police readiness to respond to a wide range of emergencies. 

 “Well-trained police officers have been the foundation for keeping the residents of our community safe,” said Mayor Gonzales. “These new programs will further improve the ability of our police to handle to disasters of all kinds,” said San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales.

“San Jose has already earned an excellent reputation for our emergency preparedness planning and community programs, but we know that we can always find ways to improve. One thing we all have learned in the last two months is that we should never by complacent when it comes to the safety of our community.”

Under San Jose SAFER, San Jose police officers will go through two additional courses in alternating years.  One course will focus on the city’s emergency management systems and plans so that all police officers are completely familiar with a wide range of emergency situations, including potential terrorist tactics.

The other course will focus on furthering the skills of police officers for a wide range of tactical situations involving weapons so they can respond with greater effectiveness and better safety for themselves and the community.

Following the September 11 attacks the City of San Jose reviewed its existing emergency preparedness programs to identify additional measures that could improve their effectiveness.  In addition, the city has conducted a security assessment of public services and facilities as part of its ongoing commitment to planning, training, and preparedness for community protection.

“I am proud our city’s continuing investment to help keep our residents, officers, and community safe,” said Gonzales.  “Although we know we cannot predict every possible threat, I am confident that with these additional efforts we will become even better prepared for disasters, whether they are earthquakes, floods, or terrorist attacks.”