Police Have Safety Measures in Place

It could happen here. We’d like to think that the unspeakable tragedy of Friday’s shooting in Connecticut could never happen in Palo Alto. But we know it could.

The Palo Alto Police Department doesn't disclose specific tactics, but Lt. Zach Perron, Manager of the Investigative Services Division, says the department has well-rehearsed procedures in place. According to Perron, “Here in Palo Alto, our department has worked very closely with the administrators, teachers, parents, and students of Palo Alto schools for years. We've got a strong partnership with them. We work with the schools to do safety drills and to review lockdown procedures. We have placed a major emphasis over the past several years on our officers having the necessary equipment and training to respond as best as they possibly can to active threats. We also have long-existing plans in place for mutual aid with other local law enforcement agencies.”

Perron encourages everyone to trust their instincts. If something doesn’t look or feel right, call 9-1-1. Let the police sort things out.

While more information will become available in the days ahead, here's what's known right now: a total of 28 people died in Connecticut. The gunman, Adam Lanza, 20, killed his mother at home, then went to the school where he opened fire. Twenty children died, six adults were killed, and the gunman died for a total of 27 at the school.

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