OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ)- Oconto County Law Enforcement is addressing school safety.
The Oconto County Law Enforcement Executive Group is made up of Police Chiefs from the departments in Oconto County, along with the Oconto County Sheriff’s Department.
Together, they make up the OCLEEG.
On March 5, the group sponsored a School Safety Summit to discuss initiatives, and more importantly to Oconto County Sheriff Chief Deputy Ed Janke, to get on the same page.
“What we were looking for is tools and systems to ensure that we have this common perspective across the entire county.”
Superintendents and staff from Wabeno, Suring, Coleman, Gillett, Oconto Falls, Oconto and Pulaski school districts had representation that the meeting. Oconto Acting Police Chief Mike Rehberg, Oconto Falls Police Chief Brad Olsen, Gillett Police Chief Jess Kiplinger, Lena Police Chief James Herald and Suring Police Chief Phil Christenson were also in attendance.
Janke said having a cohesive unit in place is proven successful practice.
“All the law enforcement agencies in the county have a voice. We all act together, we all train together to ensure that we are as effective and efficient as we can possibly be as law enforcement in the county.”
Janke said it opened up lines of communication and for preparation and response for quick decisions.
The group did discuss the recent school shooting at a high school in Florida, Janke said what he observed as a concern led to a big part of the discussion.
“What struck me personally is the fact that there were students and staff that pointed to a situation that which in their estimation, was going to open. Our group determined that we can’t let that happen.”
Oconto County law enforcement officials have been discussing proposals and initiatives to keep students safe without disruption, fear or violence.
This Summitt also included school district representatives, county officials and State Representative Jeff Mursau.
The OCLEEG says the next steps include enhanced communications and overall effectiveness as the schools and law enforcement work together to address the concerns of the community.
