C.R.A.S.E. Training

Background:

The issue of active shooters is still a significant concern for law enforcement nationwide. Since the 1999 Columbine school shooting, the way first responding law enforcement officers handle active shooter situations has developed and now includes medical training to improve potential life-saving efforts. The Lago Vista Police Department has provided Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) to all its officers and paramedics. ALERRT is the national standard for active shooter police and EMS response.

About:

The Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (C.R.A.S.E.) course was developed by the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) at Texas State University. It provides strategies for individuals to protect themselves and reduce the dangers during an active shooter event. The course is designed around the Avoid/Deny/Defend strategy, which is an easy-to-remember method for individuals to follow. 

The training includes information on the human stress response, discussions on 100% accountability in schools, and addresses common myths such as "hide and hope" and "playing dead," which were found to be ineffective in the Virginia Tech shooting. C.R.A.S.E. also provides guidance for concealed handgun permit holders on how to react before and during law enforcement arrival, as well as what civilians can do within the three minutes it takes for law enforcement to arrive in order to protect themselves and others better.

Lago Vista PD Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (C.R.A.S.E.) Training

The Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (C.R.A.S.E.) training is designed and built on the Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD) strategy developed by ALERRT. It provides strategies, guidance, and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event. Civilians who find themselves in such events must be prepared to take immediate action to save their own lives before law enforcement arrives. Without effective training, many victims can be seriously injured or killed. The Stop the Bleed course prepares you to respond to emergencies where there is massive bleeding from an injury. Massive uncontrolled bleeding from any cause can result in death in 5 to 10 minutes. However, anyone can act as an immediate responder and save lives if they know what to do to stop life-threatening bleeding. The class will review proper bleeding control techniques, including how to use your hands, dressings, and tourniquets to control life-threatening bleeding. 

Our department members, who serve as instructors for the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (C.R.A.S.E.) Program developed by A.L.E.R.R.T., offer this training to businesses, churches, and other organizations in our community at zero cost. We provide direction and presentations on what they should do if confronted with an active shooter event. The training covers the history and prevalence of active shooter events, civilian response options, medical issues, and considerations for conducting drills.

How to Request Training

If you are interested in having a member of our department present this training to your organization,

1. Sign Up by filling out our online form (mobile-friendly), it will automatically be emailed to us.  
   1. or please e-mail Interim Chief of Police Chrane and he will assist you with scheduling this training.