TJC Police to Conduct Scheduled “Active Shooter Training”

TYLER — As the College Station community and others respond to Monday’s shooting near Texas A&M, Tyler Junior College already had a program in place to address violence, and that effort continues this week. According to a news release, the TJC Campus Police is being assisted by the FBI in a planned “Active Shooter Training” today inside Louise H. and Joseph Z. Ornelas Residential Complex, Building B, on the TJC Main campus. Preparation for the training began with pre-training meetings at 8:30am. Live scenarios commenced at around 9:30. Training is expected to conclude during the noon hour. The training involves an active gunman and responding Campus Police officers.

TJC officials say active shooter training involves realistic scenarios and the use of simulated ammunition. The “simunition” training rounds are approved by the National Tactical Officers Association. The rounds sound similar to real bullets being fired but use crayon-like material to show where they land and can be washed away. Staff are responsible for cleaning the area after each training exercise. No students, faculty or staff will be involved in the training scenarios.

Campus Police have been assisted previously by FBI officers with presentations on active shooter scenarios and all current officers have received some level of training. However, this will be the first time for FBI officers to lead TJC Campus Police in active shooter training scenarios on campus. TJC Police Chief Randy Melton said the training was scheduled several months ago as part of the TJC Campus Police department’s regular professional development training and is not in response to Monday’s shooting in College Station. Melton said the FBI will not allow video or photography of the training.