Local Police "We Have A Plan."

While VT administrators are already coming under fire for what appears to be a plodding response to an out-and-out massacre. Local newspapers are picking up on the question of "us too?" Breathe easy because police have a plan!

"Local Agencies Prepared to Handle Violence"

This article deals with how local law enforcement and emergency workers in Trumbull County, Ohio could respond to a seemingly-random and senseless situation in which someone snaps and decides to gun down a lot of people. Local law enforcement has "a plan" which includes:

• A violent crimes task force
• hostage negotiators
• a quickly-mobilized emergency medical worker response plan
• tips
  

But the Youngstown State University (enrollment of about 13,000) police chief was frank with the reporter. He was graceful in not yielding to either the "it can't happen here! we have a plan!" side or the "we need stricter security standards!" side.

John J. Gocala, chief of the Youngstown State University Police Department, said that although it’s difficult to predict and prevent similar tragic situations from occurring because of the open atmosphere on most college campuses, his and other law enforcement agencies are doing their best to do just that.

Other law officers said they were ready to swoop in at a moment's notice.

Warren Police Chief John Mandopoulos said there are cameras placed inside city schools that can be accessed from the outside by police. He said Warren police would react rapidly in case of a crisis situation, getting police officers into the building within 15 minutes.

‘‘We have had this plan in place since Columbine happened in 1999,’’ the chief said. ‘‘These things are always in the back of my mind.’’

By the way, how are officers in your hometown preparing for something like this? Would you mind e-mailing me ( billiamforty@hotmail.com ) similar articles like the one I just posted? I'm interested in hearing what people are claiming or calling for. I know people are writing about it.