MANHATTAN (KSNT) - The Director of the Riley County Police Department (RCPD) Brian Peete spoke about a tool based on FBI research to determine if people are imminent or high threats, on staffing and the upcoming enforcement of Fake Patty's Day in the county.
27 News Anchor David George asked Peete about the department's response following the deadly shooting at the Chiefs Parade on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. Peete said the RCPD has been working on a first-of-its-kind training regarding active shooters.
"The whole idea is to intervene and deescalate a situation before it happens to figure out what resources to use whether the mental health or the enforcement whether that might be criminal or investigative," Peete said.
Peete said the training is more proactive than reactive.
"How do you recognize, identify and assess potential threats for active shooting? It's something we're hoping to bring here in order to host in Manhattan in late spring or early summer," Peete said.
The RCPD has a tool based on FBI research that allows investigators and mental health professionals to determine if a person is an imminent or high threat.
"The whole idea is to intervene and deescalate a situation before it happens to figure out what resources to use whether the mental health or the enforcement whether that might be criminal or investigative," Peete said.
Regarding Fake Patty's Day, the RCPD has been taking to social media to let the public know it will be making an effort to highlight common and uncommon crimes.
This year the RCPD’s social media campaign will highlight criminal disturbances, criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, hosting minors, interference with law enforcement, interference with public officials, littering, minor in possession, noise disturbances and urinating or defecating in public.
"We are always here to help people be safe in the way they live their lives and not to dictate to people how to live their lives," Peete said regarding Fake Patty's Day. "We will be more proactive, if there are issues that happen we want to tamper those down before they grow out of control for us. A lot of folks have complained and rightfully so, it's just you gotta have a good time but you gotta be responsible in how you do it."
When asked about the department's recruitment status, Peete said the RCPD has seen more applicants than before and after COVID-19.
"I think its a testament to again, staying competitive with salary and benefits thanks to our law board and our community," Peete said. "Especially what draws people to the department is just the culture of the department."
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