August 9, 2022 |
With classes starting next week in Rawlins, and the following week elsewhere in Carbon County, concerns about school-related violence has been an ongoing focus of local law enforcement.
A succession of active shooter incidents around the country have raised questions here about the hardness of schools, security measures and the preparedness and coordination of law enforcement.
A joint news release issued last week by the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office and Rawlins Police Department states that area law enforcement agencies are “committed to working together to protect local students, staff, and residents from gun violence.”
In a public service announcement that will begin airing later this week, Sheriff Archie Roybal emphasized the collaborative efforts that are underway by local police agencies to keep schools safe.
Pictured above: File photo of Carbon County Sheriff Archie Roybal. Photo by Cali O’Hare/Bigfoot 99.
Last week’s news release states that the Rawlins Police Department conducts armed-aggressor training for both law enforcement agencies and schools. The goal of the exercises is to identify and mitigate hazards, improve a location’s physical security and drill police on effectively responding to an armed aggressor.
The on-site training highlights three options to take in a shooter situation:
• Run, hide or fight.
• Run away from the gunman and watch for any exit.
• Hide: Lock and barricade doors. Find additional protection like concrete pillars. Stay on the floor.
• Fight. Only as a last resort. Use what you can. Plan with those around you.
The three training officers are available to conduct armed-aggressor exercises or hazard assessments around Carbon County for public and private agencies. Please call (307) 328-4530 to schedule.
