UPDATED @ 9:31 PM. 8:39 PM. Only Certian Media Knew Training For Active Shooter At Wiregrass Commons Mall

Rickey Stokes

Viewed: 9440

Posted by: RStokes
Date: Jul 24 2016 8:49 PM

DOTHAN:   8:39 PM.  Only certain media outlets were notified that entrances to Wiregrass Commons Mall were going to be blocked off for training.

I received text messages from the public asking what was going on at Wiregrass Commons Mall tonight. Multiple entrances were blocked off by law enforcement.

After traveling all across town we found there was a training exercise of an active shooter. We observed Dothan Police, Houston County Sheriff Deputies, Dothan Fire and Pilcher Ambulance on site.

We found other media outlets were aware and allowed access.

We can not tell what agencies were involved or what exactly was taking place. It was only on a need to know basis and only certain other media outlets were in that need to know. 

The training is great and valuable for the agencies to be prepared.

THANKS to the "private citizen" that let us know something was happening.

UPDATED @ 8:39 PM

We understand that Wiregrass Commons Mall "hand selected" what media they wanted to participate and notify of what was happening. The event was coordinated by a new security guard at the mall.

The mall did not notify all of the media.

The mall needed the exercise. It has gotten to the point it is not a safe environment a lot of times. Multiple times there are foot chases in and around the mall of people accused of shoplifting at the mall. Officers are constantly called to the mall as foot pursuits are taking place.

The exercise cost all government entities thousands of dollars in operating costs and overtime. Many officers involved were on overtime. I am sure since the mall is a private entity they will repay to the City of Dothan, Houston County and Pilcher Ambulance the overtime costs involved.

 

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