SJ educators learn what to do in active shooter scenario

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- On Wednesday, hundreds of South Bay educators learned a lesson they hope they never have to use -- what to do if they encounter an intruder with a gun. San Jose city and San Jose State University Police departments joined together to train them in a new program in the event of active shooters on a school campus.

A training video said, "There are three things you can do to make a difference. Run, hide and fight."

The mission of police who organized the training session was clear and to the point.

"To save lives and to protect our children and educators in our community," said Acting San Jose Police Chief Larry Esquivel.

The mantra was "run, hide and fight" or defend, as San Jose police prefer to call the last option. Hundreds of educators and staff from San Jose's parks, libraries, community centers and museums attended -- those with facilities where children gather.

They watched a realistic video which simulated a shooting in a school by an armed intruder who easily enters the campus.

"He looks into a building from outside an unlocked exterior door. He came through an unlocked security gate," said a trainer.

The gunman begins shooting as students run for their lives.

"School people, you're going to be the first responder. You're the first ones there and you may be the last one," said another trainer.

This active shooter training program was developed by police chiefs from Santa Clara County after the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy and other high profile mass shootings. Participants we spoke with said the session gave them a reality check.

"We're not prepared enough. Most likely, I'm sure everyone in the room feels the same way, that there's so much more we haven't thought about," said Angelina Ramos, Ace Charter School principal.

Police also told those at the training how they would respond to an active shooter. However, they asked us for obvious reasons not to disclose their strategy, except to say their main goal is to eliminate the threat.

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san jose, SJSU, school shooting, guns, south bay news, vic lee

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