OUPD to conduct active shooter training, Aug. 13-17, at Lasher Hall

Photo courtesy of: University Communications and MarketingOUPD car

The Ohio University Police Department is conducting Active Shooter Response Training for its police officers at Lasher Hall, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 13-17. The campus community is encouraged to avoid the building located at 43 W. Union Street in the City of Athens.

The training is being held to ensure officers know the latest techniques and have an opportunity to practice and fine tune their skills when responding to a report of an active shooter. The officers’ performance will be reviewed in a debriefing to identify any opportunities for improvement.

“While we hope we never have to use the training, we like to conduct active shooter training periodically to ensure we maintain our proficiency and readiness,” said OUPD Lt. Tim Ryan.

Multiple police cruisers and officers will be in the area, and — just as in a real active shooter situation — the public is asked to avoid the area. In addition to OUPD, the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Athens Police Department will participate in the training.

“We typically invite other local law enforcement agencies to train with us,” said Lt. Ryan. “We work closely with these agencies on a regular basis and will no doubt be working together in the event of a crisis.”

Officers will be firing simulated ammunition — similar to paint balls — from their actual duty weapons, so there is a potential risk of injury to people in the area. Police tape will encompass the area and limit access. Officers will secure the perimeter and alert pedestrians they should steer clear of the area.

Community members interested in learning more about what they can do if they find themselves confronting an active shooter are encouraged to watch OUPD’s ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate) training video here and attend one of the public ALICE training sessions planned this fall.