Fort Worth Police Scope Out LGBTQ Bars To Improve Safety
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FORT WORTH (CBS11) - In an attempt to prevent another mass shooting similar to what happened in Orlando on Sunday, the Fort Worth Police Department is scoping out LGBTQ bars to help its SWAT team.
Bars like the Rainbow Lounge have increased security and banned large bags as a result of the shooting at Pulse nightclub.
But Fort Worth police officers are taking those measures a step further and think something as simple as a map could help save lives.
"That's one of the first things you want to know, where it's easy to get in," said Sgt. Chris Gorrie with the Fort Worth Police Department.
Gorrie and other officers have been touring each LGBT bar in town, cataloging everything they see. They're taking notes on the locations of entrances, exits, back doors and walls.
The goal is to provide a map for SWAT to practice with if they ever are faced with a threat like what was seen in Orlando.
"It's essential to get there. It's essential to stop the threat as fast as possible," said Sgt. Kathy Jones with the Fort Worth Police Department.
Jones said in a hostage or active shooter situation, seconds matter.
"It could potentially save a person's life," said Jose Montanez, the general manager at the Rainbow Lounge.
Montanez said it is a sobering reality. But he feels it makes his employees and patrons feel protected knowing police have their bar layout and backs.
"There are so many unknown factors that could play a part when it comes to incidents where mass casualties can occur. Unfortunately I wish we could plan for them all, but we can't," said Gorrie.
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