By Brandi Makuski

Residents across the state are being asked to remain vigilant in the face of recent gun violence. 

Following a mass shooting in San Bernardino, Cali., this week, and following several other shootings across the nation, Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel is pointing citizens to a DOJ video called WiWatch.

“In light of recent events, we encourage you to remind your family, friends, audiences and colleagues about the ‘See Something, Say Something’ resource,” a statement from Schimel’s office reads in part.

See the video by clicking here.

The reminder is a good one, according to Police Chief Marty Skibba, something he says in “very much” in line with the department’s relationship with local residents.

“That community policing perspective, is one where we recognize law enforcement is not everywhere all the time, nor can we be,” Skibba said. “We need citizens to recognize suspicious things and not write them off.”

Skibba said residents should contact enforcement if they witness something suspicious- but he also stresses using common sense.

“Those times clearly when someone is seeing acts of violence, 911 should be utilized,” Skibba said. “If you see a person in an area that looks suspicious that’s one thing; three or four or five people in the area looking suspicious, that’s more of an urgent situation and might require a 911 call.”

Skibba added the department couldn’t function without the support of the public, and said that fact could help prevent acts of major violence locally.