From the CAO: Being Strong, Remaining Vigilant

We are all shaken by the unspeakable attack in San Bernardino this week. Any and all violence is upsetting. When it’s targeting county employees, in a government building, we feel it even more acutely. Taking place in a nearby county, it literally hits closer to home. Our hearts go out to our fellow public servants and their loved ones as they cope with this tragedy.

This shooting incident also reminds us that we all need to remain vigilant.

 

It pains me that we’ve had to think of teaching our own employees how to respond in a shooting like this. But the hard truth is we have to be prepared. We can’t live our lives in fear, so let’s stand strong by being prepared and educated on what we can do.  

 

More than a year ago, we took steps to share the best advice law enforcement has on how to try to protect ourselves in an attack of this kind. We’ll roll all that information out again for everyone to review.

 

Last year, our Sheriff’s Department held “Active Shooter” training for County employees. Many of you may have seen the “Run, Hide, Fight” video that was created by the City of Houston’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security. You may have read through the Department of Homeland Security’s “Active Shooters, How to Respond” booklet, or downloaded its Active Shooter Pocket Card.

 

Years ago we added a “Terrorism” Web page to our County ReadySanDiego.org and ListoSanDiego.org websites. They feature our “Eight Signs of Terrorism” video, written information on how to spot suspicious activity that could be terror-related, and links to where to report it. Both sites stress this important message: If you see something, say something. If something doesn’t look right, if it looks suspicious and it could have anything to do with terrorist activity, you need to report it.

 

Our departments and facilities have disaster response plans. Take the time to make sure you know them.

 

I also want to remind you about our Employee Assistance Program. It’s a safe place we can all call if we need help with emotional distress. It’s free and completely confidential. Please keep this important resource in mind.

 

Again, our hearts go out to all of the people who were killed, their families and everyone who was hurt, shocked and grief-stricken by the shootings in San Bernardino.

 

As we continue to live our lives, we must be strong and remain vigilant.