HARTFORD, Conn. – The Sandy Hook Advisory Commission considered ideas for its final report Friday with members expressing frustration over shootings that have occurred since the Newtown shooting and doubts about what their report will do to stem that trend.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy created the group almost 18 months ago in response to the murders of 20 school children and six educators at an elementary school in Newtown.
Although the state legislature acted quickly to pass legislation including stricter gun control policies, the advisory panel — made up of experts in education, mental health, law enforcement, and emergency response — has taken its time in putting together final recommendations.
As they discussed ideas for the report Friday, members voiced concerns over what impact their document could have on stemming violent trends. Norwalk Fire Chief Denis McCarthy said it was troubling that people are no longer surprised to turn on the television and hear news of another school shooting.
“I think we all share the same frustration,” McCarthy said. “Now, 17 months after Sandy Hook, there continues to be what I consider to be an epidemic in our country and I’m not sure that we have a finger on the tool or tools necessary to change the course.”
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