Sandy Hook Commission meets for first time since May

July 13, 2013, 7:09 am

(NECN/NBC: Jeff Saperstone, Hartford, Conn.) - The 16-member commission looking into the Sandy Hook school shooting came together on Friday for the first time since early May.

The group has been hearing testimony on gun control, school safety, and mental health, but the reason behind delays in their progress has been a lack of information about the investigation itself.

"Frankly, we're waiting for additional information as to what actually happened, which would be included in the state police report," said Scott Jackson, the commission's chairman.

The final police report has been pushed back several times, with a possible release date now estimated for September.

But the commission claims they need information in that report to understand the shooting, especially with regard to Adam Lanza's mental state.

"We talk a lot about mental health, but we don't any specifics of the shooter," Jackson said.

The group expects to focus on mental health in their recommendations, with some members saying lawmakers have only scratched the surface of the issue.

"There are many ambiguities and unresolved issues in the mental health legislation," said Dr. Harold Schwartz, a member of the commission.

They also said they plan to expand their focus beyond Connecticut.

The commission hopes to have the final report completed by the end of the year.

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