TX - Uvalde; Robb Elementary, 19 children and 3 adults killed, shooter dead, 24 MAY 2022 #2

[WingsOverTX]

"This will go down in the books as what not to do.”

Law Enforcement Expert on Uvalde ISD Chief's Account of School Massacre: ‘This Will Go Down in the Books as What Not to Do'

Scrutinized for his response during the school shooting in Uvalde, that district’s police chief Pete Arredondo is speaking out for the first time.

www.nbcdfw.com

BBM

Because the doors were built to keep intruders out, officers could not bust into the room through the door, so they spent 40 minutes waiting for, then testing several sets of keys.

“It’s just unconscionable that as the chief of police, that he did not have a master key to get into that classroom,” said Del Carmen. “That is, that is, that is simply not acceptable from a security standpoint.”

 

[mister happy]

Yes, those little shoulder clip on radios that they easily push with their hand! Did anybody else see the vid of the FL police, answering the call about a dog entering a buck store? All the officers appeared to wear those. It doesn't make sense to take your radio off, especially if you're going to the scene of a shooting.



What, were they the size of 1980s cell phones?

Yes it does seem fishy to me. I mean, this is the 21st century. I don't think the police would be equipped with WW2 era walkie talkies. Maybe Uvalde is behind the times?

 

[Seattle1]

Arredondo added that based on his prior experience, the radios didn't work well in some of the school buildings, and that he would have turned them off in the hallways to avoid being detected by the gunman. ^^rsbm

If I recall correctly, the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District only serves 7 schools, all of which are located in Uvalde County.

And we are asked to believe that in Chief AP's prior experience, the radios didn't work well in some of the 7 school buildings?

And even if this is true (an allegation I'm highly suspicious of) why does the School District PD, have radios that don't work inside their schools? They only need 6 working radios!

Perhaps they need to switch to mobiles & earbuds where Att, TMobile, and Verizon all have stellar coverage with the lowest coverage at 99.62% of Uvalde and the highest at 99.99 of Uvalde.

And as consumers, if you look at your cell phone bill, you'll see you're already paying an Enhanced 911 Tax for county emergency service communication systems. Seems to me there should be sufficient fees in that kitty to buy 6 cell phones to outfit the entire Uvalde School District Police Dept.

https://bestneighborhood.org/mobile-and-cell-uvalde-tx/

 

[Dotta]

If I recall correctly, the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District only serves 7 schools, all of which are located in Uvalde County.

And we are asked to believe that in Chief AP's prior experience, the radios didn't work well in some of the 7 school buildings?

And even if this is true (an allegation I'm highly suspicious of) why does the School District PD, have radios that don't work inside their schools? They only need 6 working radios!

Perhaps they need to switch to mobiles & earbuds where Att, TMobile, and Verizon all have stellar coverage with the lowest coverage at 99.62% of Uvalde and the highest at 99.99 of Uvalde.

And as consumers, if you look at your cell phone bill, you'll see you're already paying an Enhanced 911 Tax for county emergency service communication systems. Seems to me there should be sufficient fees in that kitty to buy 6 cell phones to outfit the entire Uvalde School District Police Dept.

https://bestneighborhood.org/mobile-and-cell-uvalde-tx/

I nodded with agreement with every sentence of your previous post about his "cushy job" as a Chief!!! of School Police.
Like hibernating till nice Police retirement.

Oh, and being a member of City Council might lead into political career also.

But, as usual...

"Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans".

MOO

 

[Seattle1]

Yes, those little shoulder clip on radios that they easily push with their hand! Did anybody else see the vid of the FL police, answering the call about a dog entering a buck store? All the officers appeared to wear those. It doesn't make sense to take your radio off, especially if you're going to the scene of a shooting.
What, were they the size of 1980s cell phones? ^^rsbbm

In this horrific tragedy, thanks for adding the reference to the 1980's cell
phones which gives me a chuckle every time I see it.

I so want somebody to ask Chief AP to identify their brand/model of radios!

And if he dares to say they obtained them as surplus from the City PD, then we'll know they probably were from the inventory of the last century.

 

[sds71]

Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez said that Uvalde's school Police Chief Pete Arredondo's retelling of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary was in opposition to statements from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

"It's directly in contrast with what DPS has said, so now you have these two competing narratives, none of which makes sense," Gutierrez said Saturday on CNN.

Texas state senator says Uvalde school police chief's narrative on shooting is 'directly in contrast' to DPS reports

Uvalde School Police Chief Pete Arredondo recently told the Texas Tribune that he did not believe he was the commanding officer during the Robb Elementary mass shooting.

www.businessinsider.com

 

[Dotta]

Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez said that Uvalde's school Police Chief Pete Arredondo's retelling of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary was in opposition to statements from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

"It's directly in contrast with what DPS has said, so now you have these two competing narratives, none of which makes sense," Gutierrez said Saturday on CNN.

Texas state senator says Uvalde school police chief's narrative on shooting is 'directly in contrast' to DPS reports

Uvalde School Police Chief Pete Arredondo recently told the Texas Tribune that he did not believe he was the commanding officer during the Robb Elementary mass shooting.

www.businessinsider.com

There is also the 3rd version:

Corrido de 21 Uvalde Angeles by Mariachi.

Created and sung straight from the heart.

 

[Dotta]

"I'm doing this for you, sister. If you can see me, I'm doing this for you. You will be remembered. I promise you," said Jasmine Cazares.

https://www.fox7austin.com/news/family-of-two-girls-killed-in-uvalde-shooting-speak-at-texas-capitol-gun-control-rally

 

[sds71]

Uvalde was awarded the six tournaments before the shooting but announced on May 27 that after much deliberation and consultation with families of the victims, it decided:
“To allow the children to do what they love and proceed with our plans to host the tournament. It is our hope this event will provide an outlet for them to come together, release stress and support each other through play.”

The rest of the baseball and softball seasons including championship games were canceled after the tragedy but the Uvalde teams that qualified for districts will play, he said.

The victims of the school shooting will be honored during the tournaments, Suarez said.

Uvalde Little League president ‘humbled’ by award in wake of school shooting

Six the 19 Robb Elementary School students killed on May 24 were playing Little League and another six had previously.

www.pennlive.com

 

[tayaway]

In this horrific tragedy, thanks for adding the reference to the 1980's cell
phones which gives me a chuckle every time I see it.

I so want somebody to ask Chief AP to identify their brand/model of radios!

And if he dares to say they obtained them as surplus from the City PD, then we'll know they probably were from the inventory of the last century.

If you're correct, I believe this photo accurately represents what you mean.

 

[Dotta]

If you're correct, I believe this photo accurately represents what you mean.

"Like master, like equipment".

 

[Dotta]

Senate group agrees on broad outline of new gun law after Uvalde shooting

Senators have agreed on new gun legislation after weeks of negotiations in the wake of recent mass shootings, including the Uvalde, Texas, elementary school shooting

abcnews.go.com

 

[Seattle1]

If you're correct, I believe this photo accurately represents what you mean.

I believe AP described the two radios as one radio with a clip that might fall off his tactical belt, and the other with an antenna that would hit his leg when he ran -- both slowing him down.

The point being how other forces across the country seem to know how to set up a duty belt except for Chief AP. This is elementary to an officer! MOO

The Nation's Largest OCP Uniform and Military Boot Retailer - US Patriot Tactical

US Patriot Tactical is your one-stop-shop for US Army and Air Force uniforms, military boots, tactical gear, and accessories.

blog.uspatriottactical.com

 

[Doghairrules]

Yes, those little shoulder clip on radios that they easily push with their hand! Did anybody else see the vid of the FL police, answering the call about a dog entering a buck store? All the officers appeared to wear those. It doesn't make sense to take your radio off, especially if you're going to the scene of a shooting.



What, were they the size of 1980s cell phones?

I swear I think I read somewhere that the radios were like 20 years old or something. I will try to find it. Eta:


Aware of Injuries Inside, Uvalde Police Waited to Confront Gunman

And most of the officers arrived with radios that did not function well inside the school building, according to the investigators’ review, potentially creating communication difficulties and confusion.
The system, installed two decades ago, had been designed for the expansive terrain in and around Uvalde, a town of 15,000 surrounded by ranches and farms 80 miles west of San Antonio, according to Forrest Anderson, who works on emergency management for Uvalde County.
“The system was designed because of prevailing conditions at the time,” Mr. Anderson said, to allow officers responding to an emergency to communicate with dispatchers who might be 30 to 75 miles away.p

 

[Dotta]

I swear I think I read somewhere that the radios were like 20 years old or something. I will try to find it. Eta:


Aware of Injuries Inside, Uvalde Police Waited to Confront Gunman

And most of the officers arrived with radios that did not function well inside the school building, according to the investigators’ review, potentially creating communication difficulties and confusion.
The system, installed two decades ago, had been designed for the expansive terrain in and around Uvalde, a town of 15,000 surrounded by ranches and farms 80 miles west of San Antonio, according to Forrest Anderson, who works on emergency management for Uvalde County.
“The system was designed because of prevailing conditions at the time,” Mr. Anderson said, to allow officers responding to an emergency to communicate with dispatchers who might be 30 to 75 miles away.p

I would think it is Chief's task to supply his little team with adequate equipment, no?

 

[Friday Fan]

I swear I think I read somewhere that the radios were like 20 years old or something. I will try to find it. Eta:


Aware of Injuries Inside, Uvalde Police Waited to Confront Gunman

And most of the officers arrived with radios that did not function well inside the school building, according to the investigators’ review, potentially creating communication difficulties and confusion.
The system, installed two decades ago, had been designed for the expansive terrain in and around Uvalde, a town of 15,000 surrounded by ranches and farms 80 miles west of San Antonio, according to Forrest Anderson, who works on emergency management for Uvalde County.
“The system was designed because of prevailing conditions at the time,” Mr. Anderson said, to allow officers responding to an emergency to communicate with dispatchers who might be 30 to 75 miles away.p

The article refers to the nine county system frequencies etc. I don't believe the radio units themselves are part of this. The region also includes the cities of Del Rio and Eagle Pass. Additionally it includes a decent sized casino in Eagle Pass.

Anyway, I just found this: Chief PA taking a pic with a Uvalde PD officer. PA is NOT wearing his radio. The Uvalde Police officer is.
Photo below is of the Uvalde PD. Not the same as the Uvalde UCISD PD. Close up so sleuthers can "date the radios" because I sure can't!

Source: Facebook

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

www.facebook.com

 

[kaen]

“My mind was to get there as fast as possible, eliminate any threats, and protect the students and staff,” Arredondo said. He noted that some 500 students from the school were safely evacuated during the crisis…

“Each time I tried a key I was just praying,” Arredondo said. Finally, 77 minutes after the massacre began, officers were able to unlock the door and fatally shoot the gunman.

Waiting for keys, unable to break down doors: Uvalde schools police chief defends delay in confronting gunman

Criticized by law enforcement experts for slowness in taking out the shooter, Pete Arredondo described an agonizing wait for a key that would work. In an interview with The Texas Tribune, he said he hadn’t spoken out sooner because he didn’t want to compound his hometown’s grief or point blame.

www.texastribune.org

The shooter and Arredondo entered the school on opposite sides​

This story is appalling. I am sorry but I have no sympathy for this man. This was a failure all the way around. I have no doubt that many of the dead would still have died but.... I just can't take what he is saying.

I am a former school administrator. After Sandy Hook, there was more than ample resources to figure out each thing that this man says was an obstacle.

Keys--- 3 months after Sandy Hook, we had every door fitted with state of the art locks, there were emergency keys in every classroom AND the administration/custodial staff had three places where we could access the keys based on multiple access points of an active shooter. AND, our local police had 1 master key to all locks as did our fire department. We were part of a system of schools that had the same protocol. It was costly but we had applied for granted funds.

You never leave your communication device when responding to an emergency. It may be the only way to insure that you can get the assets you need into the situation.

He was the chief. How was he not the one in charge? Ugghhhh.

It is so very frustrating that a school system with an active police force did not have an adequate plan, a proper chain of command (given that no one was in charge that day according to this man), proper training, and a basic understanding of what needs to happen when you fortify doors (inability to penetrate). He also said that he would not go get his body armor---all LE know that if you don't make it you can't get other people out of harms way yet this man refused to get his armor which meant that all in the hall with him had the additional burden of worrying about his safety.

Enough. I can't read anymore of this article. Not all would have survived but some may have but for the lack of an adequate plan. JMHO.

 

[Friday Fan]

I found a picture with Uvalde CISD Police Chief with his radio
Source: Texas probing og Uvalde Schools Police Chief had a radio on him

More Uvalde PD radios Facebook

 

[Seattle1]

I swear I think I read somewhere that the radios were like 20 years old or something. I will try to find it. Eta:


Aware of Injuries Inside, Uvalde Police Waited to Confront Gunman

And most of the officers arrived with radios that did not function well inside the school building, according to the investigators’ review, potentially creating communication difficulties and confusion.
The system, installed two decades ago, had been designed for the expansive terrain in and around Uvalde, a town of 15,000 surrounded by ranches and farms 80 miles west of San Antonio, according to Forrest Anderson, who works on emergency management for Uvalde County.
“The system was designed because of prevailing conditions at the time,” Mr. Anderson said, to allow officers responding to an emergency to communicate with dispatchers who might be 30 to 75 miles away.p

Chief AP made that allegation -- not that he personally experienced but had knowledge that their radios may not work in all of his 7 schools.

Why wouldn't the 7 facility school district be limited to one channel/frequency dedicated just for them (proven strength, tested for each facility) -- eliminating the need for these 6 officers to access/ listen/respond to calls beyond their skill and training.

Seems to me that the local and county police forces (40+ member forces) that are responsible for policing entire communities (versus 7 school campuses) would require equipment suitable for communicating with all others-- including school district officers, but not the other way around.

It's like their own thinking sabotaged the only goal for the school district force of 6.

MOO

 

[Seattle1]

I found a picture with Uvalde CISD Police Chief with his radio

Perfect @Friday Fan -- here we see the radio that might fall off the duty belt, and the radio with that darn, inconvenient, antenna -the one that might slap your leg when running!