Police Give Council High‑Level ‘Run, Hide, Fight’ Briefing; Emphasize Preparedness and Medical Response

Captain Waters of the Merriam Police Department briefed the council on active‑shooter response and presented a run/hide/fight training video used by law‑enforcement and public safety educators.

Waters reviewed the Department of Homeland Security definition of an active shooter and summarized the rationale behind current police tactics, including rapid entry to stop an active shooter. He said training and incident reviews (Columbine, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook) informed changes to police response and public guidance.

Key guidance presented: be aware of alternate exits; evacuate quickly when safe; if evacuation is impossible, lock and barricade doors; as a last resort, coordinate to fight the attacker. Waters emphasized the importance of immediate hemorrhage control: “A victim can die of uncontrolled blood loss in 5 minutes or less,” and advised learning basic bleeding control until EMS arrives.

Local tools and procedures: Waters noted Johnson County supports text‑to‑911 and that responding officers may include uniformed, plainclothes and tactical units; he described how first responders will prioritize stopping the shooter and then move to rescue and medical operations once the scene is contained.

Council questions and discussion: Council members asked about who calls 911 in scenarios (answer: witnesses or people who can safely do so), how injured but immobile people should prioritize bleeding control and sheltering, and whether text‑to‑911 is available in neighboring counties (staff to follow up).

Takeaway: The presentation was informational; no council action was taken. Staff provided the run/hide/fight video as an available public resource and encouraged routine situational planning for places residents frequent.