Ahead of the start of a new semester, Austin Community College District (ACC) continues its focus to prepare for emergency scenarios. On Friday, January 13, the college will host an active-shooter training scenario at Round Rock Campus. 

The ACC District Police Department (ACCDPD) will lead the training session in partnership with multiple agencies from Central Texas. The training is part of the ongoing efforts of the college’s safety and operations division to enhance preparedness for both response teams and college employees and students. It also provides an opportunity for agencies to collaborate and communicate during these types of scenarios. 

This will be the 10th time ACCDPD has conducted active crisis response training on an ACC campus.  

To support the training scenario, Round Rock Campus and nearby roads will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, January 13. All employees not participating in the scenario will need to be out of the building and parking lots by that time as ACCDPD will block off the parking lots and Round Rock PD will close down side streets.

Volunteer as a role player

Volunteers are needed to be role players in the event to enhance the realism of the training. ACCDPD encourages faculty, staff, and students to participate so civilians can know what to do and expect from first responders in the event of an active shooter on campus.

Role players will play the part of students and faculty inside the building and will be given a safety briefing and clear instructions on what to do during the event. ACCDPD will ensure participants’ safety during this training event. 

During the scenario, volunteers can expect to see real weapons drawn and hear gunfire simulations from weapons that fire blank ammunition. No real ammunition will be used during this event, nor will there be any physical contact. 

Volunteers are asked to arrive at 4 p.m. and stay until around 9 p.m. It is recommended they wear clothing they do not mind getting stained. All materials used are water-based and any stain should wash out.

Anyone interested in volunteering may sign up HERE. Details will be shared directly with all volunteers.