Dane Co. Sheriff steps up patrols around schools
MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - With a reminder to ‘hold your children extra tight today,’ the Dane Co. Sheriff’s Office assured families extra deputies will be dispatched to schools across the county to keep them safe.
The increased patrols come in the wake of the tragic killing of 19 students and two teachers at a Texas elementary school on Tuesday afternoon. The deputies will cover every school where the Sheriff’s Office has primary jurisdiction.
The Sheriff’s Office also used its statement to remind everyone across the community to be vigilant about whet they see around them.
To help do that, the Sheriff’ Office offers Emergency Preparedness training for the community. There are classes for both learning basic bleed control principles that provide hands on training as well as active assailant preparedness. More information is available here.
The training website also provides general tips to keep in mind:
Be Prepared
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Positioning in the room
- Have an exit plan
- Keep distance between you and the source
- Create Barriers
- Defend yourself
- Delay/Disrupt
- Learn how to recognize signs of violent behavior
- Learn Protective and preventative safety measures
If You See Something, Say Something
- Always be observant
- Be aware of vehicles which are out of place
- Report someone who may be testing Security or “scoping” a place out
- Take threats seriously (verbal, written, phoned)
- Report concerns to 911!
Beaver Dam Police Dept. increases presence
In its own Facebook post on Wednesday, the Beaver Dam Police Dept. explained its normal procedures for ensuring the schools are safe and how it is responding to the Texas killings.
“Many of our officers have children right here in our own district. We have an interest in seeing that our schools are as safe as they can possibly be,” the police department wrote.
The police department stated that three school liaison officers engage with the district throughout the school year, investigating security threats and addressing other concerns. BPD touted its relationship with the school district, describing it as excellent.
For the rest of the school year, additional patrols will be assigned to patrol the city’s schools. The police department noted that its marked cars try to be present throughout the year, but they intent to increase their presence for the rest of the term.
The police department added that its officers undergo active-shooter training and “have resources that can be at any district in minutes, if not seconds.”
Copyright 2022 WMTV. All rights reserved.