Dept. shares extra security measures being taken now, including greater presence at upcoming Silverado Days
By Brooklynn Wong
A group of Buena Park residents is a little more prepared to handle an active shooter situation than they were a week ago, thanks to the Buena Park Police Department.
Last Wednesday at the Community Center, police personnel put on a free afternoon-long training to anyone interested, that included a video, Q&A and an exercise.
The training was also live streamed on the department’s Facebook page.
The police personnel assured everyone that they are well-trained and equipped to handle such a situation, that response times would be short since there’s not much surface area in the city to begin with, and several officers are already out and about patrolling.
However, they emphasized, there are small but important things that residents can do if they find themselves in such a situation, and to possibly even decrease the likelihood of such situations happening at all.
A sergeant said, “When we respond, we just ask that you guys do the bare minimum, which is to run, hide or fight.”
The goal of the training was to “give you something to take back, to share with your team,” said another.
See something, say something
It’s a mantra that law enforcement agencies nationwide have adopted to encourage vigilance in the public. BPPD representatives have said time and again at neighborhood watch meetings and elsewhere that the public ought not hesitate to call the police if they encounter anything suspicious. If you see any suspicious behavior in an individual in your neighborhood, school or workplace, do not hesitate to report it to the police. BPPD personnel emphasized that if there is something in an individual that causes you to think they could become a legitimate threat, don’t ignore the feeling or talk yourself out of calling the police for any reason.
Individuals can remain anonymous when calling the police in such situations.
But should an individual find themselves facing an active shooter situation, police gave a short presentation on tactics that can greatly increase survival chances.
Run, hide, fight
Per the presentation, the best thing you can do in such a situation is to get yourself out of it if possible. If you can get out, do. And encourage others to leave with you. And even if they won’t, get yourself out. Leave your belongings behind, and once out of immediate danger, call 911.
If you are unable to evacuate, the next best thing you can do is hide. The best case scenario is if you can get yourself into a room. Lock the door, turn out the lights and silence your cell phone, and put heavy items in front of the door. But if you can’t get into a room, hide behind a large object.
Should you find yourself in position to fight the shooter, be resourceful by using things like chairs and fire extinguishers as weapons, work to incapacitate the shooter and commit to your actions, working with others if you can.
Police also pointed out that when they do arrive, their immediate goal will be to eliminate the threat, not help the injured, but that help for that will be on the way.
What does this mean for Buena Park?
After the presentation, an active-shooter exercise was held in the lower level of the Community Center, using blank rounds. Attendees then reconvened and a time of Q&A was held.
What if someone was able to overwhelm the shooter and take their weapon, someone asked? How should they communicate that to law enforcement and make clear that they are not a threat?
Remain secured where you are, police answered. Put your hands up, don’t touch the gun, don’t show it to law enforcement.
People also shared their feedback about the exercise, and it was largely positive, as individuals shared the sentiment that it was helpful to be exposed to the sights and sounds of an active shooter situation, and to try out the tactics they’d just learned, but in a disorienting, even overwhelming environment.
BPPD said they have a “bearcat,” an armored vehicle that would be used in active shooter situations. It can hold up to 30 children, and other agencies in the area have them as well and would likely respond, depending on the severity of the situation.
BPPD also said they can perform risk assessment of schools, churches and business buildings if asked, to assess their security and give recommendations for improvement. They already have been performing such assessments at many of Buena Park’s schools.
And in light of the shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival this summer, BPPD will be taking extra security measures at its resident community festival next month—Silverado Days, October 18-20—having a strong BPPD presence as well as hiring outside security, and utilizing wands—“just like you’re going to an Angels game,” one officer said—to scan people before entry.
Portions of the active shooter training can be seen on the Buena Park Police Department’s Facebook page.
The “See Something, Say Something” hotline for Buena Park PD is 714-562-3902.
See bppd.com for more information.
