‘ALERRT’ conference trains first responders to stop active shooters
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For the past week, first responders from around the country have been in San Marcos learning how to save lives when someone starts shooting.
The Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training, or ALERRT, based at Texas State University teaches police how to think fast and act quickly.
Now in its third year, more than 400 officers traveled to San Marcos to practice the skills they hope they never have to put to use.
ALERRT was created 10 years ago, partly as a response to the deadly Columbine school shooting.
Since then, more than 40,000 officers have received ALERRT training.
"We needed to train the first officers responding on the scene to deal with an active shooter situation," Don Montague with ALERRT said.
In addition to the hands-on practice, officers hear from those who have put the skills to the test.
This year, participants heard from first responders to the mass shooting targeting Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and survivors from the Virginia Tech shooting.