Granted, The Uvalde Police Force Is An Embarassment

It’s clear that officers did not follow that scenario this week. 19 officers staged outside the classroom. 78 minutes elapsed before they entered. Children repeatedly called 911 from inside.

“It was the wrong decision,” top officer says.https://t.co/08outQNCyr

8/9

— Mike Baker (@ByMikeBaker) May 28, 2022

We are continuing to scrutinize the Uvalde response. Meanwhile, here’s a look at nationwide training for active shooters.

“If you know children are being murdered, why do you wait? Get in there.”https://t.co/UV5I33bFhi

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— Mike Baker (@ByMikeBaker) May 28, 2022

“Uvalde spent 40 percent of its budget on its police force last year. In January, the Uvalde P.D. got a half-million dollars from Governor Greg Abbott’s “Operation Lone Star,” a program designed to show how tough Abbott is on border issues.” https://t.co/rCUXalt8i0

— Jazmine Ulloa (@jazmineulloa) May 28, 2022

The guidelines provide sobering clarity: The first officers may be risking their lives. But, it says, innocent lives take priority.

“A first responder unwilling to place the lives of the innocent above their own safety should consider another career field."

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— Mike Baker (@ByMikeBaker) May 28, 2022

But guidelines are words on paper. Money doesn’t buy quality, or courage. Or good sense (why didn’t they just stand aside and let the big boys do it?). And most small-town police forces are filled with Barney Fifes, not Dirty Harry’s. Or even Andy Taylor’s.

That’s a problem for Uvalde. Mass shootings are a problem for the country.

Fight the real problem.