? Police officers from across southwestern Connecticut participated in an emergency response drill on Saturday at the University of Bridgeport.

Monitors from the State Emergency Management Department say the scenario was based on real events and the lessons police forces across the United States learned from handling hostage situations at schools like Virginia Tech, Columbine and Northern Illinois.

The drill was a mock hostage situation that tested first responders, SWAT teams and snipers. Officials say they will spend the next few weeks evaluating what worked and what didn't, and how they can improve response plans and security on school grounds.

The program is financed by federal grants from the Department of Homeland Security. Officials say no local tax dollars were used.