Houston ISD: Our officers train for school shootings

Marian Reed, a police officer with Rice University, takes part in a mock school shooting drill at Atascocita High School on July 12, 2012. Law enforcement personnel from all over the Houston and surrounding areas took part in the exercises designed to simulate a hostage event in a school setting. less Marian Reed, a police officer with Rice University, takes part in a mock school shooting drill at Atascocita High School on July 12, 2012. Law enforcement personnel from all over the Houston and surrounding ... more Photo: JASON FOCHTMAN Photo: JASON FOCHTMAN Image 1 of / 98 Caption Close Houston ISD: Our officers train for school shootings 1 / 98 Back to Gallery

Houston ISD released a statement Wednesday evening outlining how schools prepare for mass shooting events like the one in Parkland, Florida.

Seventeen people died Wednesday after a 19-year-old former student opened fire on the Stoneman Douglas High School located in Broward County, about an hour north of Miami.

District officials said the HISD Police Department holds an annual training for officers. It covers how to respond to an active shooter situation as quickly and efficiently as possible.

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In recent months, Houston ISD officials said its police department has given more tactical and safety equipment to its officers to respond to such events.

Crisis counselors will be available to HISD schools that request assistance.

"The Houston Independent School District sends condolences to the entire Parkland, Florida community," the district wrote in a statement.

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