More active shooter training for local cops and first responders

Active shooter training has been going on at Texas State University for almost two decades. Administrators told Fox 7 that more than 100,000 cops from across the nation have gone through what is known as “Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training,” ALERRT.

"Well it’s intense," said Congressman John Carter.

To experience the benefits of that intensity first hand, Congressman Carter organized a trip to San Marcos on Wednesday morning with representatives from different public safety agencies in his district.

"We want people to know that these programs are out there, they can use COPS grants now to do training, and training is so important.  Our military is a perfect example, well trained soldiers stay alive," said Carter.

About five years ago ALERRT training was expanded to include medical first responders. Lead instructor John Curnutt explained to the group why their lesson of critical thinking hinges on team work.

"That’s the way it’s got to be, no agency is an island anymore. We all have to come together, work together, we should all be pulling in the same direction so it shouldn't be that hard to come together and work together, but going from border to border, coast to coast we see that it kinda is," said Curnutt.

The delegation from Williamson County told Fox 7 they're already building on that team approach. A uniformed countywide response plan is being drafted.

"A lot of the small departments they don't have a whole lot of funding they don't have a lot of help so we are trying our best to step in and help them plan for the big event," said EMS Commander Kevin Krienke.

The demonstration in San Marcos comes just hours after an incident in Des Moines, Iowa. Two police officers were shot and killed in what is described as an ambush. While the investigation there continues, Congressman Carter addressed the anti-cop sentiment across the country, which just doesn't seem to be going away.

"Well, I think it’s been a terrible mistake, this whole concept that the police are the enemy," said Carter.

The motive for the shooting in Iowa may not be the same kind of anger that lead to recent attacks on police in Dallas and Baton Rouge. However, Congressman Carter seemed to believe the crisis exercise he watched Wednesday may be one way to help ease the tension between civilians and those wearing the badge.

"So train them up, trust them, give them a chance to do their job."

The Congressman also agreed that accountability is a necessary element in order to "weed out the bad apples."