Approximately 150 people gathered in the DeFuniak Springs Community Center on Tuesday night to discuss tragedies and how to deal with potential threats. “Run, Hide, Fight and a plan to act is the biggest takeaway we hope our citizens learned from our discussion,” said Chief Mark Weeks. The forum was as suggestion to church groups and others in what to do should an active shooter invade their places of worship or business. A plan is a starting point in preparing for the unexpected. Other suggestions such as role playing different scenarios and practicing the plan regularly were mentioned. Law enforcement also can partner with groups or businesses to help train and offer suggestions. Additionally, DeFuniak Springs Police can do a site survey of the facility and offer suggestions of security measures that would best suit the individual entity. “We appreciate our citizens coming out and having a discussion with us on this very real topic. We want our citizens, churches, and businesses to know we are here to help them,” said Chief Weeks.
ORIGINAL RELEASE: DEFUNIAK SPRINGS POLICE TO HOST SAFETY & SECURITY FORUM FOR CHURCHES
With the recent tragedy that occurred in Texas, DeFuniak Springs Police want to engage with the community and specifically churches on the potential threats to our citizens. “Most of the recent tragic events seemed as if they couldn’t happen here. The tragic shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas has changed our way of thinking. We want to talk with our citizens and church leaders about potential threats,” said Chief Mark Weeks. Please join us on Tuesday, November 14th, 2017 from 5p.m. to 7p.m. at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center. This will be a discussion type forum where law enforcement officials will discuss best practices and give the public a chance to ask questions.