The Cop Column
July, 2001
Rick Hord, Public Information Officer
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
Safety for the 2001-2002 School Year
Despite headlines, discussions, and even jokes about violence in our schools, this fact remains: school is safe. America's schools are safe and our local schools are safe. Violent tragedies are rare, that's why they attract attention. Statistically, when you send your kids back to school, they'll be safer there than they were at home (or any other place) during their summer vacation.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is taking steps to make sure we are as prepared as possible for any situation, no matter how remote its chance. During the summer, School Resource Officers, other Deputies, and officers from other agencies participated in a series of highly realistic shootout scenarios. This training is unlike anything most cops ever see. We pray we never need to use the high risk, high pressure, high speed response tactics developed during these intense, adrenalin-generating drills.
At the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, we've also reviewed and updated our comprehensive procedures for dealing with missing children... especially including those rare cases where foul play is suspected.
The best shooting or abduction is the one that doesn't happen. This is where you come in. Every student, parent, and teacher can do these things:
*Keep the lines of communication open. Nothing is more important.
*Know your child's friends, teachers, his or her activities and interests. When you notice a change, ask why in a non-judgmental way.
*Our schools offer an incredible variety of classes and activities. Encourage your child to find something of interest and pursue it.
*Teach younger kids the difference between "good touch" and "bad touch."
*People of all ages must understand that some things must NEVER be kept secret. Anyone who expects you to keep quiet on something that affects the health and well-being of them, you, or anyone else, is someone who needs immediate help.
*Children (and sometimes, adults) must be taught the difference between fantasy and reality. Discuss current events, television shows, movies, and music in that context.
Fortunately, we've never had a school-related tragedy focus international attention on Okaloosa County. We may have had some close calls, though... several times in recent years, students as young as five have been intercepted in possession of knives or guns.
Two important factors have been constant in each of these incidents: 1-The child with the weapon was trying to be "cool" by imitating what he had seen on TV; and, 2-it was another child, a peer, who averted potential disaster by telling a teacher or another adult in a prompt and matter-of-fact fashion.
The Crime Prevention Unit of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office offers the "Eddie Eagle" gun safety program to teach youngsters what to do if they see a gun. It features four simple steps that can be taught to children as young as three or four: "Stop," "Don't Touch," "Leave the Area," "Tell an Adult." To arrange an "Eddie Eagle" class for your day care, scout group, or other group of youngsters, call Jennifer Schinstine at 609-2005.
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