Originally Posted by
Dan Lehr
Here's an idea - how about having beat cops get out of their units and get into the schools when they have a chance? This is from something I wrote on the subject:
While the remainder of this handout will deal with actual response tactics, obviously preventing an active shooter situation from occurring is the best course of action for those we serve. Educating the public about the active shooter threat must be a significant component of intervention strategy.
Educators, classmates, co-workers, supervisors, or anyone in contact with other persons on a daily basis should be made aware of the indicators listed above and notify appropriate personnel when they become concerned that an individual has the potential for violence. Several studies of active shooter events have noted that in many events, especially school shootings, there was some indication of threat. In several cases, alertness of behalf of school staff or co-workers prevented an active shooter event.
The patrol officer can play a significant role in prevention beyond education. The frequent presence of uniformed patrol officers at random times may very well deter an attack. In addition to prevention, increased presence in a target location ups the likelihood that an officer will be present when an attack begins. Officers must be proactive in identifying potential targets of an active shooter, becoming familiar with the facility, and maintaining a visible presence at those locations.
Officer initiated interaction with the public we serve is something that is often talked about, yet rarely practiced by most officers. Officers should make a concerted effort to become 'one' with the people in their patrol area. Officers should feel comfortable asking in any contact 'have you seen anyone acting suspiciously?' or 'is there anything going on you think I need to know about?'
Active shooter incidents are very often the work of a disaffected person; however, a citizen observing surveillance of the target location may identify a terrorist event during the planning process. Being more accessible to the public increases the likelihood that citizens will report such observations to police.
Preplanning: 'It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark' is a good statement to keep in mind regarding preplanning for every phase of police work, especially when responding to high-risk events such as an active shooter. As mentioned above, preplanning for an active shooter event involves becoming familiar with locations in your jurisdiction that could be potential targets.
Survey the locations with the intention of becoming familiar with the safest response routes, potential entry or breach points, as well as interior lay out and hiding places. Ask the staff how they would get in if the most obvious entry points were blocked........
How many beat officers in your area have even toured the school(s) on their beat?
How many schools would make a work-space available for 'their' officer(s) to work reports?
How many officers have ever pulled up next to the playground, got out on portable and BS'ed with the kids, or took part in an activity?
Sure, sometimes it is call to call, but when it isn't these are possibilities.