Sheriff states policy in case of active shooter

DAYTON-The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office released a statement declaring their policy in the event the community has an active threat or shooter emergency as defined as one of more persons “actively engaging in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area.”

The statement outlined that the first minutes matter most for saving lives and the first officer(s) on the scene would “move in as quickly as possible to eliminate the threat...with speed, surprise, and violence of action.”

The department prepared the statement in response to local community concerns over recent shooter events or threats of that nature in the U.S. and questions about law enforcement response. It was highlighted that the department stands together in their procedures.

Following the signatures of Sheriff Joe Helm. Undersheriff Robbie Patterson and Chief Deputy Cesar River, a statement was made about courage. “We shall demonstrate physical courage by placing ourselves in harm’s way to protect our community. We will demonstrate moral courage by standing for what is right regardless of who is or is not standing with us. We will enforce the spirit of the law. We will be flexible in finding solutions to problems and use common sense, good judgement and compassion while solving these problems; keeping in mind what is best for the community. We will do the right thing, at the right time, in the right place, in difficult situations, despite pressure to do otherwise.”