Active shooter training in Monterey County
UPDATE 11/23/15 6:15 PM: The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is implementing new tactics for active shooter situations. The last time the Sheriff’s Office did these types of drills was at least three years ago. Things have changed since then, including new procedures that involve fire departments and medical personnel.
The emphasis is on giving victims medical attention sooner. To do that, fire crews and medical personnel need to respond to the initial call with law enforcement. However, the unarmed crews need to be protected.
The change in protocol was prompted after then 2013 deadly shooting at LAX. A Transportation Safety Administration officer was shot to death and three others were injured. The author of the bill, Assembly Member Freddie Rodriguez, said victims of that shooting had to wait to receive medical care. The bill aims to create a coordinated emergency response that could save lives.
According to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, there are things people if they are caught in an active shooter situation.
“Listen to the orders or commands of the responding officers or deputies,” Commander John Thornburg said. “Go where they direct them and obviously if there’s any information that can be provided, they should.”
The FBI also has a list of recommendations for people – Run, Hide, Fight.
RUN:
If there is an escape path, attempt to evacuate.
Evacuate whether others agree to or not.
Leave your belongings behind.
Help others escape if possible.
Prevent others from entering the area.
Call 9-1-1 when you are safe.
HIDE:
Caption: Your hiding place should:
Be out of the shooter’s view.
Provide protection of shots are fired in your direction.
Not trap or restrict your options for movement.
FIGHT:
Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
Act with physical aggression.
Improvise weapons.
Commit to your actions.
Today’s training was not in response to the deadly attacks in Paris. The Sheriff’s Office says it was in the works before the coordinated acts of terrorism.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is implementing new tactics for active shooter situations.
The last time the sheriff’s office ran these types of drills was at least three years ago.
Things have changed since then, including new procedures that involve fire departments and medical personnel.
This time around, the emphasis is on giving victims medical attention sooner, and that involves working with first responders.
Coming up tonight on NewsChannel 5, Mariana Hicks will have more on how the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office aims to do that, all while better protecting first responders.
