LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – On Saturday, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the Black Police Association partnered with valley places of worship for an active shooter preparedness training.
“We just want to be prepared and learn what we can, what the training’s about, and if we need to make improvements to security, then maybe take that to our church and implement it,” said Bill Carpenter, minister at Land of God Church.
“Because it’s better to have this kind of training, and we’re hopeful that we need to use it, than to actually need it and not have ever taken advantage of the training that was available,” said Michael Jackson, pastor at Tabernacle of Praise Church.
Metro says the training is in response to a critical need for increased safety measures in public and private sectors, including places of worship.
“We want to try and bridge that gap, and we want to try to bring awareness to the community,” said Detective Adrian Hunt, Black Police Association Nevada Chapter president.
The training included tactics to respond effectively to an active shooter situation, to run, hide, or fight if it comes to that point.
It also taught strategies to recognize potential threats and report them to prevent a shooting from happening in the first place.
“Every one of us can learn the signs of what to look for or have seen it in people with mental issues, etc. that they might be bringing it up or talking about doing something,” Carpenter said. “Keep your eyes open. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you see something very unusual or something that’s concerning to you.”
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