CCPD Equipped, Trained for Mass Shooting

‘I want our community to know that we are not naïve to the fact mass shooting events could occur at our schools, businesses, and events.’ — Police Chief George Crum

In light of the recent heartbreaking events that have taken place throughout our nation in Uvalde, Texas, and Highland Park, Illinois, I wanted to take this opportunity to explain how the Cathedral City Police Department will be responding should similar (mass shooting) events ever occur here.

The mass casualty events and active shooter incidents that continue to occur throughout our nation weigh heavily on the minds of our community. So far in 2022, communities across this nation have experienced 314 mass shootings. The definition of a mass shooting varies; however, one consistency in the definition details a mass shooting as an act of gun violence where “four or more people are shot or killed in a single incident, at the same general time and location not including the shooter.”

I want our community to know that we are not naïve to the fact mass shooting events could occur at our schools, businesses, and events. Unfortunately, it has become a daily topic within our organization. CCPD officers train on a regular basis to respond to mass shooting events should it ever occur in our city. We work closely with security at Palm Springs Unified School District and will be conducting active shooter training on certain campuses during the summer. We enjoy a good working relationship with the school district, and I plan to place a School Resource Officer (SRO) in our schools once the school year begins.

It is my duty, responsibility, and obligation as Chief of Police to ensure that our officers are well-trained, well-equipped, and always prepared should such a tragedy in Cathedral City occur. I recognize the concerns many community members have shared with me regarding these recent mass shooting events. I will strive to maintain a high level of training for our officers and dispatchers, ensure they have the best equipment possible, and maintain an absolute readiness to respond when needed.

The Cathedral City Police Department enjoys a good relationship with our community. We value and depend upon our community’s support and engagement with our department. These partnerships have allowed us to keep Cathedral City as safe as possible. I am proud of the men and women of the Cathedral City Police Department and the effort they put forth to keep our city safe. It is our duty to protect all lives and property in our city.