VCU Police and RPD to conduct an active shooter training exercise on Wednesday

On Wednesday you may see a bit of alarming activity around the Shafer Street Playhouse. VCU Police along with Richmond Police will be conducting an active shooter training exercise all day on Wednesday.

In order to make this as realistic as possible for the trainees there will be simulated sounds inside the building including gunfire and crowd panic noises.

More information below from VCU Alert:

On Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2016, the Virginia Commonwealth University and City of Richmond police departments will conduct an active shooter training exercise on the Monroe Park Campus between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

This daylong training consists of a simulated emergency in which a single shooter is inside the Shafer Street Playhouse. The exercise will be realistic, with simulated sounds inside the building, including gunfire and crowd panic. The training gives police an opportunity to practice a coordinated response to a VCU building, which is critical in an active shooter incident.

VCU faculty, staff, students and visitors should note:

• Franklin Street will be closed between Harrison and Laurel streets, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vehicle access will also be closed to Shafer Street between Franklin and Grace streets during the same time.
• The area around the Shafer Street Playhouse will be clearly marked with signs and security officers will be on-site to answer questions and direct pedestrian traffic.
• Pedestrian traffic between Franklin Street and the Shafer Street Playhouse will be closed intermittently while the exercise is in session.

Text messages will be sent to VCU Alert subscribers prior to, and at the conclusion of, the exercise. If you are not signed up for VCU Alerts, please visit http://alert.vcu.edu/signup/index.php to enroll. A mass email is also being issued to the VCU community.

This training will take place in lieu of VCU’s monthly siren test. A full test of VCU’s alert system is scheduled for Sept. 7, 2016.

If you are a VCU student, faculty, staff member or guest and you have additional questions, please call the VCU Police non-emergency dispatch line at (804) 828-1196.