Increased Police Presence and Simulated Firing to Take Place Near Saratoga Performing Arts Center Week of April 9 - 13

New York State Parks Police and City of Saratoga Springs Police Department will lead a simulated training exercise focusing on Active Shooter response April 9 - 13 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). New York State Police, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and civilian partners will also participate in the trainings focused on joint coordination and emergency response during several simulated scenarios envisioning an active shooter. 

The public should be advised that a noticeable increase in police presence will be visible and simulated firing may be heard throughout the week-long exercises near SPAC inside Saratoga Spa State Park which begin each day at 8:30AM and suspend at 10:30PM. Friday’s April 13 training exercise will end at 5:30PM.

The entire fenced-in area of SPAC will be closed to the public. All area traffic will be alerted to the exercises at all entry points into the park. All simulated weapon firing will be restricted to the backstage/amphitheater area. The simulated weapons are bright blue or have bright blue accents to readily identify them. Simulated weapons are incapable of firing a live duty round.

All media interested in observing a portion of the training and conducting interviews with law enforcement will be welcome Tuesday April 10 from 10AM – 12PM.

All interested media is asked to RSVP through the contact above so that accommodations may be made.

Park Police routinely partner with state and local law enforcement agencies to police large-scale events and respond to emergency. The connection and spirit of cooperation is developed even further during the process of planning, designing, scheduling and conducting these trainings.