The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the first three minutes of an active shooter are the most dangerous, which is why they stress active shooter training is so important.
DPS partnered with the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALLERT) to train more than 100 officers and civilians in Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE). Those trained will in turn have the tools needed to go into their communities and give training on what to do during an active shooter incident.
“The main thing we want to teach the public during this training is to get out of the mindset that nothing’s going to happen today.” said Lieutenant Bryan Witt, Texas Department of Public Safety Public Information Officer.
“We want them to be prepared in the event that something does happen today. This training is not to teach people to live in fear. It’s to teach people to live in confidence,” Witt said.
Three points are emphasized during the presentation: avoid, deny, or fight. With a more in-depth understanding of those three points, the troopers will be able to respond to those situations with self-assurance.
Schools, businesses, and community members frequently request direction and presentations on what they should do if confronted with an active shooter event. Once students complete this course, they can offer free training in their communities.
Anyone who wants to have active shooter training can contact Lieutenant Bryan Witt at kenneth.witt@dps.texas.gov.
