Detroit police chief on how to prevent mass shootings like Las Vegas

DETROIT (WJBK) - An outdoor concert in the middle of a major city turns into a horrifying massacre. It could happen anywhere.

"This is the world we live in and we need to think smart," Craig said.

While trying not to fear metro Detroiters, Craig on Monday said he wonders about our safety, asking what can we all learn from that deadly massacre in Las Vegas.

"We're so wrapped up in political correctness of the day," Craig said. "This should be about the business of being one country and let's keep each other safe."

Craig said that Detroit police are in a constant state of readiness for emergencies, along with local, state and federal agencies.

"We have what I would consider a great working relationship," he said. "Those matter when you talk about a situation like this."

The chief focused on off-duty police officers and the number of officers attending that country music festival in Las Vegas.

"I'm told they were not allowed to bring in their firearm, that's a problem for me," Craig said.

Craig says Detroit should look at its own venues during what he calls "troubling times," to find ways to mitigate threats. He said he is considering off-duty officers as force multipliers referencing events like Lions games at Ford Field where guns are not allowed inside.

"I disagree with it," Craig said. "I think that when you talk about off-duty police officers, federal agents are not allowed to take their weapons into those facilities, we are going to ask the NFL to reconsider that policy."

Craig discussed a policy in Israel that he believes sets a good example of readiness.

"When off-duty officers attend sporting or entertainment-type venues, they carry a skull cap that says police, and they carry weapons."

And while Chief Craig says that policy may not have helped in this terrifying situation in Vegas, with a shooter more than 30 floors up. He added that it also takes the community to report suspicious social media posts and odd behavior.

"We should continue to go about our lives as we do," Craig said. "And just know that you have a great police department and other law enforcement professionals that are going to do everything they can to keep you safe."