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Staying ALERRT

For the final part of her school safety series, our Senora Scott spent some time with the Texas Department of Public Safety. She was there when state troopers were taking part in a training held at Grape Creek Middle School. Here's what she learned about that training.

GRAPE CREEK, TX — "We realize the threat is there, we realize the threat is relevant but we're not going to cower down to any threat. We're going to make sure we're well trained,” Sgt. Justin Baker with the Texas Department of Public Safety said.

Over the last several weeks, law enforcement officers across West Texas have been taking part in advanced law enforcement rapid response training or ALERRT.

"This is actually nationwide training. Texas is no different, we want to take the lead in making sure all of our officers are trained and trained together to effectively stop the threat,” Baker said.

School districts are taking more and more preventative measures when it comes to their student's safety, and just as they're getting geared up for the school year, so are first responders. Since 2002 over 130,000 first responders have participated in ALERRT training.

"Go in there, isolate the threat, neutralize the threat,” Baker said.

This is a joint training with state, county, and city agencies.

"That way we know going in there what each person is going to have a role in doing. It's very important to know that your fellow officer even though they don't wear the same uniform has had the same training,” Baker said.

The ALERRT training program was created in 2002 when a shift in how law enforcement responded had to be made.

"Say officers arrived on scene and set up a perimeter while there was a threat still taking place in the building. That would not be effective at all waiting for someone else to arrive,” Baker said. "Now, we're gonna go in there immediately."

That change has minimized the number of casualties in active shooter situations no matter where they take place.

"It's made a huge difference over the years,” Baker said.

First responders go through multiple versions of ALERRT training and continue that training throughout the year.

"Make sure again, that this is fresh and relevant in their minds,” Baker said.

Citizens can also do their part by reporting suspicious behavior. Remember...if you see something, say something.

You can even report that suspicious behavior online. There is a free app from DPS called the "iWatchTexas" app. You can download it and fill out a simple form where you describe the suspicious behavior.

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