TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona will conduct an active shooter training exercise Wednesday.
The university says officers, employees and volunteers will act out the active shooter scenario near Old Main between 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
"Police officers will be using "blue guns," which are not real weapons and cannot be loaded with ammunition. Signs will be posted around the site to alert people that the activity is a drill and keep people away from the exercise. Staff will support those efforts," UA said in a press release to KGUN9.
This exercise is designed to be as realistic as possible. The university says role players will be made up to look like victims and police officers will be running to the scene, simulating gunfire.
UAPD says this training has been planned for over six months. It is not a recent response to the mass shootings.
The University of Arizona will hold an active shooter drill tomorrow (08-14) near Old Main between 4pm and 11pm. Please see the attached Public Notice for more information. pic.twitter.com/UWo7noxdxx
— UofAZPolice (@UofAZPolice) August 14, 2019
In case of a real emergency on campus, individuals can sign up for UAlerts by clicking here.