JEFFERSON COUNTY, IL (WSIL) - Local law enforcers and mental health experts in our area share the ripple effects of yet another deadly mass shooting.
“Schools now have metal detectors, clear backpacks, bowling alleys, movie theaters, places that were deemed safe for families are no longer felt to be safe, " says Jaime Clark, Director of Student Health Services for SIU.
Clark says this creates uncertainty for people going to their normal places, and people have shared that they are becoming worried.
"Columbia university did a study that showed that over 50% of people are concerned with having a shooting when they're out,� Clark says.
Jefferson County Sheriff, Jeff Bullard says after a mass shooting it's common for people to be on alert.
"It's still a low probability nationwide statistically the fact is still possible not if but when it's going to happen in your community," Bullard says.
Sheriff Bullard says his department is trained to handle active shooter situations, and trains staff at local schools and businesses.Â
"Because education helps many times when people know they have more options to do then they really do," Bullard.
Clark says people should also be aware of how people act in their own communities.
"You see these types of statements from somebody you think would never do it, that's often a cry for help," Clark says.
If someone shows dangerous tendencies and there is evidence to support they are a harm to themselves and others, Bullard says a person can get an involuntary mental evaluation. However he says it has not always helped in Illinois.
"The state really needs to do better. They need to put more resources into secured mental health facilities. So when we do have someone who could be a clear and present danger they remain in treatment," Bullard says.
But he says the best thing you can do to prepare is to pay attention when you're in public places.
"Keep your situational awareness up,� Bullard says. Pay attention to what's going on, and I highly recommend anyone that feels like they need to or want to, take a concealed carry class."
