The Broward County Sheriff's Office released a letter Wednesday with supporting documents about new changes in procedures implemented in direct response to the findings and recommendations of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas safety commission.
The commission investigating the Feb. 14 shooting heavily criticized BSO's active shooter policy in a report this month. In response, Broward Sheriff Scott Israel released a document outlining the agency’s changes based on the commission’s findings. Highlights include:
- Additional training for 1,378 deputies
- Open internal affairs investigations into two deputies
- Real-time access to live school camera feeds during emergencies
- Creation of a threat assessment unit
The commission also said BSO contributed to the failure of some deputies to run into the building and confront the gunman. A previous policy stated that deputies may confront an active shooter, but the commission found the word "may" gave some an excuse for not entering the building during the Feb. 14 shooting that left 17 dead.
The commission found that several deputies arrived at the school during the shooting but stayed outside, including Scot Peterson, who was assigned to the school.
In a letter released Wednesday responding to the commission, Israel announced he replaced the former BSO active shooter policy with a revised policy that more closely aligns with BSO active shooter training that states:
“Deputies responding to active threat(s) incidents shall attempt to protect the life of innocent persons through immediate tactical intervention to eliminate the threat. In such scenarios, the prioritization of activities in order of importance will be: 1) Stop the active assailant(s); 2) Rescue the victims; 3) Provide medical assistance; 4) Arrest suspects and preserve the crime scene.”
Read the complete letter and documents below:
