CPD: What to do in an active shooter scenario

Columbia Police Department along with other local law enforcement agencies gathered today to discuss and practice active shooter scenarios.

CPD told ABC 17 news that they try to gather twice a month with other agencies in Boone County to do various drills.

Other agencies would include, Missouri State Highway Patrol, MUPD, all Boone County Fire Departments, all Boone County EMT departments, and Boone County Joint Communications.

CPD says if anyone were to be stuck in an active shooter scenario, you need to try, ” run, hide, or fight.” If you were going to run, you want to run in a zig-zag motion because it’s harder for someone to shoot at you. Fighting is also another strong option that CPD says is effective- gathering multiple people to try and fight the suspect. “Playing dead,” is another option.

In a situation of an active shooter, the 911 dispatcher plays a huge part in calling in other agencies to assist. On the scene, all the different agencies would be on their own radio channel but would set up a command center to be able to personally communicate with the other agencies.

Despite having a shortage in CPD officers, CPD says they are prepared because they have other local Boone County agencies that would be able to help.