Multi-Agency Active Shooter Training Underway at Lee Middle School

SAN ANGELO, TX — Today, at Lee Middle School, San Angelo Independent School District and local law enforcement agencies partnered together to conduct an active shooter training drill. Angelo State University Police Department, San Angelo Police Department, and Tom Green County Sheriff’s Department were present and participating in the training.

“Active shooter training is important given the rise of such incidents across the country. The exercise is unique as it is the first time we have had a joint endeavor involving multiple agencies in San Angelo,” said Derrick Jackson, Director of Communication for SAISD. “It is critical that local agencies train together to be better prepared.”

The training took place at Lee Middle School at 2500 Sherwood Way. A large number of emergency vehicles were parked on the right side of the building during the training on Childress St. The training will likely last until later in the afternoon, as law enforcement run through many active shooter scenarios.

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The training exercise is being run by certified ALERRT instructors from the Texas Tech Police Department. Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center was created at Texas State University in 2002. The FBI named ALERRT at Texas State the National Standard in Active Shooter Response Training in 2013.

“What stemmed the development of these tactics was the Columbine High School shooting,” said Sergeant John Radle, with the Texas Tech Police Department. “We have learned we can do better. As soon as we find out there is an active shooter, there is no hesitation. We train to go in and stop the killing as soon as possible.”

Angelo State University has been training their officers with active shooter scenarios since 2008. “We have always trained our officers that multiple agencies will be involved at an active shooter event,” said Angelo State University Police Chief, James Adams. “So, we are excited because this was the first time we have been able to prepare for an active shooter with multiple agencies.”

According to the ALERRT website, “more than 130,000 law enforcement and fire officials across the nation have been trained in ALERRT operations and tactics to respond to active shooter situations. This vital training is delivered by veteran law enforcement SWAT specialists with proven experience in active shooter response and police training.”

The ALERRT training does not allow public attendance to preserve the integrity of the weapons and tactics used.