Rep. John R. Carter to host ALERRT active shooter training demonstrations

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
Office of Media Relations
October 28, 2016

U.S. Rep. John R. Carter (R-TX-31) will host a tour and briefings at Texas State University’s Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) facility in San Marcos from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, November 2.

A media availability session will be held at 1 p.m. with Rep. Carter, officials from Texas State and ALERRT. Individual interviews will be available with the congressman and ALERRT officials. RSVP to corry.schiermeyer@mail.house.gov.

Invitees include representatives from Williamson and Bell Counties, including county and city officials as well as police and fire department chiefs.

“The threat of active shooters is increasingly real as we have seen in Dallas, Orlando and San Bernardino,” said Rep. Carter. “Sadly, many first responders believe it is not if, but when, extremists will again terrorize our nation. The POLICE Act will help ensure our first responders are prepared for this situation through existing Department of Justice grants. I am pleased that the U.S. Congress and the President have come together to help keep our communities safe.”

The success of the ALERRT program provided the basis for the Protecting Our Lives through Initiating COPS Expansion (POLICE) Act, a bill Rep. Carter sponsored with Sen. John Cornyn and which was signed into law in July. The act enables local law enforcement and first responders to use federal grant funding for active shooter response training.

“The POLICE Act fills a critical gap in funding for active shooter response training,” said Pete Blair, executive director of the ALERRT Center. “It provides funding to allow police, fire and EMS to train together and will maximize their ability to save lives when the next attack occurs.”

The leaders will witness a number of different drills and exercises first responders use during an active shooter incident. They will also participate in a Congressional Achievement Award Ceremony, recognizing ALERRT and Texas State for their commitment to this groundbreaking, life-saving training.

Schedule of the events at ALERRT training facility (Media is welcome for all scheduled events and will be allowed access to film or photograph all training demonstrations):

  • 10-10:30 a.m.   Welcome and Introduction
  • 10:30-11 a.m.   Close Quarters Battle (CQB) Demonstration
  • 11-12 p.m.   Active Threat Integrated Response Course (ATIRC) Scenario
  • 12-1 p.m.   Lunch with Presentation on Active Shooter Events + Award Presentation
  • 1-1:15 p.m.   Media Availability
  • 1:15-3 p.m.   Breakout sessions (4 stations, 20 minutes per station):

1.  Simulated Fire Arms Training System.
2.  Threshold Evaluation Techniques
3.  Medical - Demonstrate the medical skills that are being taught to police officers
4.  Civilian Response - A brief overview of what civilians can do to protect themselves during Active Shooter events.