For Immediate Release:
For more information contact:
Phil Wisneski, Public Relations Specialist
920-869-4274
pwisnesk@oneidanation.org
(Oneida, WI) – The Oneida Nation hosted active shooter training for all employees that wrapped up June 20, 2016. The required training paid employees four hours to learn, understand, and know how to react when an active shooter is present. Over 80% of the tribe’s 2,700 employees registered for the training and the rest will be responsible to take an online session. The Oneida Nation wants to equip their employees with the knowledge and understanding in order to ensure their safety. Providing this training is the initial step to provide them with the tools to make a sound decision when it matters the most.
Special Agent Bryan Kastelic provided to training and his main message was, “It is you that can prevent an incident. There is not enough law enforcement on the ground. It is up to you.” Employees and citizens are the eyes and ears of the community. You know when something is out of place or if an individual is acting out of the ordinary. Kastelic pleaded to the employees that if you see something, say something.
It is much better for law enforcement to follow up on a call and have it lead to nothing than to have to deal with the loss of lives to community members. Don’t be afraid to call your local law enforcement agency if something doesn’t add up, they are more than willing to listen and will follow up on your call.
The training is phase one for being prepared for this type of situation. Phase two will include emergency action plans for each building and then testing and adjusting the plan is the final phase. Much like fire drills and tornado drills, practice is what will help the employees the most. Though there is no way to authentically prepare for this type of situation, knowing what to do in case one arises is much better than trying to think about it when an intruder has already entered the building.
According to the United States Department of Justice there have been 160 active shooter situations in the United States from 2000 to 2013. They are happening right here in Wisconsin as well including; Crandon, Milwaukee, Niagara, and Neenah. The Department of Homeland Security are advising individuals to first run out the building if possible; if not able to run then to barricade themselves and hide; the final option is the fight.
