ZANESVILLE, Ohio (AVC News) — A Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office investigator is helping prepare local educators for potential active shooter situations ahead of the new school year.
Felony Investigator Bethany Hayes recently provided active shooter response training to school staff at Muskingum University in New Concord.
Hayes is a certified ALICE instructor. The program stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate and uses an options-based approach to help civilians make real-time decisions during an active shooter situation.
Hayes introduced the training in Muskingum County more than 15 years ago after her daughter entered public school. She said the experience reinforced the importance of giving school staff the knowledge and tools needed to respond to an active threat.
Since then, Hayes has responded to several threats of active violence in the community, including the recent shooting of a baseball player at Muskingum University.
During the training, Hayes provided educators with realistic response options intended to help protect themselves and their students during an active shooter threat.
She also emphasized that no school or community is immune to violence.
Following three training sessions, Hayes led hands-on self-defense instruction, teaching practical techniques tailored to the participants.
The Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office says the training is part of its ongoing effort to prepare and empower local educators and help make schools and the community safer.
Last Updated on August 17, 2026 by AVC News
