NYPD Terror Drill: “More Information Is The Key”

The NYPD runs a terror-attack drill focused on schools:

During the early part of the exercise, the information from the Staten Island school is sketchy.

The narrator tells them the terrorists have grabbed an NYPD radio, allowing them to listen in on what cops are planning. And this forces police to think of alternate ways of communicating.

Then, the narrator tells them, the terrorists release a teacher, who reports that four of the attackers are wearing bulky black vests with wires protruding — and are growing increasingly agitated.

Some of the students manage to call their parents by cellphone, and panicking moms and dads gather at the school, he said.

Suddenly, a large explosion goes off on the roof. More shots are heard inside.

What should the cops do?

Members of the Technical Assistance Response Unit — known as the “Mission: Impossible” squad — wanted to place eavesdropping devices in the school so they could find out more about what was going on.

Finally, the attackers release their demands — they want terrorists jailed overseas to be freed or they’ll kill at least five of the hostages.

“Do we go in?” Browne asked.

Different ideas are suggested. Bomb Squad and hostage negotiators weigh in. More information, many agree, is the key.

One big concern was to not over-commit police resources — to one or both of the schools — as doing so might leave cops vulnerable should a third crisis erupt.

I’m hoping they’re a little more prepared than “we need more information” . . .