The New Haven Division of the FBI, the Manchester Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police hosted a training exercise to simulate a complex attack in a public venue. The exercise began on Sunday, June 1, 2014, after business hours at The Shoppes at Buckland Hills in Manchester, Connecticut, and was successfully completed overnight.

Nationally, the FBI, in partnership with state and local law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services and various private sector partners, is conducting exercises as part of the final phase of the Complex Mall Attack initiative, which was developed to promote preparedness. In 2013, all FBI field offices hosted facilitated discussions with public safety and private sector partners that focused on preparedness, response, and recovery efforts necessary to effectively address a complex attack. The FBI is committed to strengthening public safety and private sector partnerships necessary to protect the United States and its citizens.

“It’s all about the preparation,” stated FBI New Haven Division Special Agent in Charge Patricia M. Ferrick. “Taking advantage of this opportunity to train with the Manchester Police Department and the Connecticut State Police is especially important in this day and age. Our exercise facilitators strive to create a realistic scenario which will challenge us and our local and state law enforcement agencies, first responders, and private sector partners. We are most appreciative of the effort and planning from all of the participating agencies and look forward to additional training opportunities, which are so critical to assembling the appropriate response to a crisis.”

“Our department is truly committed to public safety for town residents,” stated Manchester Police Department Chief Marc Montminy. “We take training seriously and strive to ensure that our police officers are prepared to respond to a crisis, anywhere at any time. That we can train with our state and federal partners is especially important because, inevitably, a crisis brings us all together.”

“Connecticut State Police troopers are usually among the first responders to a crisis,” stated Major L.J. Fusaro of the Connecticut State Police. “It is critically important for our organization to continue to train with our local and federal partners so that any response to a crisis is appropriate and coordinated. This exercise also affords us the opportunity to reinforce already strong relationships with the FBI and the Manchester Police Department.”

Every effort was made to schedule this exercise so as not to interfere in any way with normal mall operations. Last night’s exercise at The Shoppes at Buckland Hills had no effect on the normal business hours of the mall’s many tenants and will have minimal, if any, effect on pre-opening activities.

“We want to thank the Manchester Police Department, the Connecticut State Police, the FBI, and fire and emergency services, as well as local officials, for their dedication and commitment to public safety. The Shoppes at Buckland Hills shares that very same commitment and will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that first responders are prepared for any emergency,” said Nancy Murray, General Manager for The Shoppes at Buckland Hills.

The FBI Active Shooter and Mass Casualty Incidents web page is a resource for law enforcement and the public to learn more about critical incidents involving mass casualties.

The FBI New Haven Division, Manchester Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Capitol Region Emergency Services Team, Manchester Fire Department, Manchester Emergency Medical Services, and The Shoppes at Buckland Hills security participated in the exercise.