Oklahoma Representative Rick West led an interim study examining whether law enforcement officers have access to the training needed to respond to active shooters and coordinate with other agencies.
Testimony from experts during the House Public Safety Committee’s hearing indicated that finances and manpower can impact training for rural law enforcement agencies and communication problems can arise from shooting events due to lack of consistency in training.
Colton Jones with the Black Banner Group, who helped organize the study, emphasized the importance of recurring training to prepare officers to act during emergencies.
Latimer County resource officer Tanner Killingsworth said differences in terminology, training and response procedures can create confusion when officers from multiple agencies respond to the same incident.
“In a situation where time is critical, inconsistent training and conflicting tactics can lead to confusion, delayed responses and unnecessary risk to officers and innocent civilians,” Killingsworth said.
Oklahoma Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton discussed available training and school safety programs, emphasizing that prevention is also essential.
Tipton said school risk and vulnerability assessments are being updated through the Oklahoma School Security Institute.
Representatives from the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training also outlined available courses and the role of its Center for Active Shooter Preparedness.
West said the study was intended to identify available training and gaps that need to be addressed.
