County law enforcement addresses mass shooting response

County law enforcement officials are working to address fears in the wake of a mass shooting in Uvalde this month. 

In a joint statement issued Monday, Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore, Cameron Police Chief Lonnie Gosch, Rockdale Police Chief Jerry Meadors, Thorndale Police Chief Scott Roberson, and Buckholts Police Chief Shawn Newsom stated their agencies wished to make clear that their policy in active shooter situations where ongoing deadly force was reasonably likely to be employed by a suspect, their officers will take immediate action to locate and eliminate the active shooter. 

“Due to recent events concerning the Uvalde active shooter tragedy, we want to make our position clear,” Clore said in the statement. “Our departments will act to first, stop the killing and then stop the dying. It is the policy of each of these agencies in active shooter situations where ongoing deadly force is reasonably likely to be employed by a suspect – and delay in taking law enforcement action could resulting injury or death – that immediate action by officers at the scene is necessary when such actions are deemed reasonable to prevent further injuries or loss of life.”

The statement said that active shooting can result in several casualties in a short period of time, generally before law enforcement can be notified.

“In spite of this logistical disadvantage, it has been recognized that even one of two armed law enforcement officers can make a difference in the outcome of active shootings by taking swift, but calculated, individual or coordinated action,” Clore said. “Given proper justification as defined by law, taking immediate action during active shooter incidents, rather than waiting for specially equipped and trained officers, can save lives and prevent serious injuries. Time lost by delayed action is likely to result in additional casualties. Law enforcement will arrive on scene, whether it be one deputy/officer or many. The initial responding personnel will immediately attempt to locate and eliminate the active shooter.”