Safety in schools means effective leadership

As an instructor for Active Threat training; I have taught numerous businesses, churches, schools, government entities and emergency service personnel - to include Law Enforcement.

In light of the potential safety threats our school district has faced over the past couple of weeks, it’s a good time to remember the importance of accountability, leadership and safety.

Accountability for the students making these threats, even if they are doing it for what they perceive as amusement.

Leadership for the officers and school employees, providing them timely and effective communication of the potential threat and what is being done to mitigate it. Even if a local law enforcement office isn’t necessarily impacted by this news, they can stand ready to lend a hand to the departments directly involved, with the proper notification.

Safety, most importantly, for our students, staff, and officers. The frequency of these perceived threats seems to be increasing and hitting way too close to “home.”

What is our community doing, and what can be done, to help prepare us for a swift and efficient response in the event that something so terrifying were to happen?

As your Sheriff, I want to answer this question and really take a look at where our safety mechanisms are, and where they could/should be.

I am a Leader with Accountability for Community Safety.