Attorney General wants $15 million for training officers

On Tuesday, there was a push in Congress to approve $15 million for training law enforcement officers who have to handle shooting rampages.

The Attorney General of the United States, Eric Holder, said it is necessary since patrol officers are being relied on to respond quickly instead of waiting on SWAT teams.

The comments are in response to the recent shootings at the Jewish Centers in Kansas and at Fort Hood, Texas.

ABC 17 News took a look at local law enforcement agencies and how they handle active shooters.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Department said it is one of their number one priorities when it comes to training.

Columbia, Moberly, and Jefferson City police make sure all of their officers are trained to handle an active shooter.

“I think everything changed with Columbine,” said Detective Tom O’Sullivan.

To this day Columbine is the deadliest high school shooting in U.S. history.

Since 1999, there have been 29 mass shootings in the United States.

Even though we have seen heightened security measures, mass shootings are still happened.

ABC 17 News asked Detective O’Sullivan if mass shootings are a concern for our society.

“Absolutely. I don’t think Sandy Hook is going to be the last we see,” said O’Sullivan.

Holder believes because of the increase in mass shootings all law enforcement agencies need to be prepared.

“In today’s world the first response must often be led not by SWAT teams or specialized police units – but by the very first patrol officers to arrive on the scene,” said Holder.

“You never know where that patrol officer may be… That patrol deputy he may be five minutes away or right in front of the school,” said O’Sullivan.

That is why all Boone County deputies and Columbia and Jefferson City police are trained to handle an active shooter.