AUSTIN, Texas — It’s been just over a month since a gunman opened fire outside a popular downtown bar in Austin. As agencies continue investigating the shooter’s motive, local law enforcement credits their quick response to a certain kind of preparation helping the state lead the way in active shooter training and response.
The Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) at Texas State University prepares first responders for emergencies. Their active shooter response training has been declared the national standard by the FBI for over a decade.
The program uses its criminal justice research department to study active shooter events and help the program grow in real time. Director of external relations, James Keith, says this reality-based training is key to preparation.
“Everything we do at ALERRT, we try to make it as realistic as possible. We want these scenarios to resonate with these officers and first responders,” Keith explained. “We want it to be what they’re going to encounter in the real world as much as possible.”
ALERRT at Texas State uses its San Marcos training facility to host agencies. Their logistics operation delivers all the equipment needed for their trainings on-site in cities around the country. The program even goes beyond the Lone Star State, providing more than 3,500 classes internationally.
“We will ship them out across the world, provide those training hands-on,” Keith said.
He points out that there has been an increase in law enforcement agencies wanting their officers to take courses.
“In the last several months, we’ve gone to Bosnia. We’re preparing to go to Puerto Rico right now,” Keith said.
The program is getting ready for an update. The Texas State University System Board of Regents approved a $25 million expansion for new facilities, equipment and training capacity. Construction is set to start this year.