Oklahoma safety advocates are pressing the state legislature to make annual active‑shooter training a mandatory component of law‑enforcement continuing education. The proposal, championed by the Black Banner Group and local officials, seeks to reshape the existing 24‑hour continuing‑education requirement so that active‑shooter response receives top priority.
Why the push for mandatory training?
Proponents point to recent tragedies in other states—Sandy Hook, Uvalde and similar incidents—as stark reminders that insufficient preparation can cost lives. “You have the immediate judgment act before full command. Sandy Hook, you’ve seen that. You saw officers show up and seemed like they were afraid to go to the threat because a lot of them said lack of training,” said Colton Jones, a representative of the Black Banner Group.
Proposed changes to continuing‑education rules
Under the current system, Oklahoma law‑enforcement agencies must complete 24 hours of continuing education each year, covering a broad range of topics. Advocates suggest restructuring those hours so that a significant portion—potentially the majority—focuses on active‑shooter scenarios, tactical decision‑making and coordinated response tactics.
Support from on‑the‑ground officers
Tanner Killingsworth, a school resource officer in Latimer County, echoed the call for uniform training. “Requiring annual standardized active‑shooter training throughout Oklahoma would help establish consistency among agencies, improve inter‑agency communication, strengthen officer preparedness, and reduce the likelihood of preventable mistakes during critical incidents,” he said.
Addressing budget and staffing concerns
Advocates acknowledge that many departments operate with limited budgets and staffing shortages. They argue that making the training more accessible—through online modules, regional workshops and shared resources—will ensure that financial constraints do not impede officer readiness.
Community impact
Supporters stress that the proposal is not merely a law‑enforcement issue but a community safeguard. “We owe it to our officers, kids, and schools and every single Oklahoma community to ensure that if the worst happens, the response is as fast and effective as it needs to be,” the group concluded.
Legislative outlook
The proposal is expected to be introduced in the upcoming legislative session. While some lawmakers may raise concerns about funding or the balance of training topics, the advocates plan to highlight the potential to save lives and protect families—core values that resonate with Oklahoma’s faith‑centered, family‑oriented communities.
Next steps
Stakeholders are scheduled to meet with state representatives and Senate members in the coming weeks to discuss implementation details, training providers and cost‑sharing models. If passed, Oklahoma would join a growing number of states that have codified active‑shooter preparedness as a core component of police training.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
