WACO, Texas — Waco police hosted a public Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events, or C.R.A.S.E., training on Tuesday night.
More than 100 people joined Waco police to learn ways to prepare and defend themselves during an active shooter situation.
Destini Stead and her two children were among those in attendance.
"It's really important for me that they are aware of what they need to do as far as if these types of scenarios do happen," Stead said as her kids get ready to return to school in the coming weeks.
The program, designed at Texas State University, aims to help everyday people improve their awareness of the warning signs of gun violence and improve their response should they find themselves in an active shooter event.
"This is something that we do together. It takes all of us to kind of spot something, to educate, and to know what to expect and how to better prepare," Waco C.R.A.S.E.-trained police officer Janae Draper said. "I mean, this is a great turnout."
The department presented both real-life footage and simulations meant to help people understand the warning signs of a shooting event and ways to successfully respond.
Staying calm, having a plan and acting quickly were just some of the tips people like Lisa Pyles are bringing back home, or to the workplace.
"I didn't realize we need to have our offices numbered," she explained of her workplace in Limestone County. "You know, you don't think about that. You say, 'We're hiding in Joe's office,' but nobody knows where that is."
Another C.R.A.S.E. training is scheduled for this Saturday, July 30 at 10 a.m. at the Waco Convention Center.
Hear from officers and attendees about the training program and its importance tonight at 10 p.m. on 25 News.
