Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. -- Police from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Provost Marshal’s Office participated in an active shooter exercise at the Navy Marine Reserve Center aboard MCAS Miramar, Calif., April 2.
Training in simulated environments helps develop quick, rational decision-making skills in a safe and controlled atmosphere.
“It keeps our skills sharp and up to date,” said Sgt. Taylor Sanchez, a military police officer with MCAS Miramar Provost Marshal’s Office. “It gives us different scenarios that we are not able to practice every day.”
The scenario began with an acting armed gunman entering the building and firing simulated rounds. With an estimated time of six minutes, the base police arrived on scene. Casualty role players littered the hallways while first responders entered the building. Cautious of the possible threat, the police officers kept a combat mindset and executed room-clearing tactics until pursuing the acting gunman outside. The police officers cornered the suspect, and forced him to lay down his weapons and get down on the ground.
“It’s something that today’s society needs to be aware of, and the police have to be ready for,” said Officer Jason Frederickson, a civilian police officer with MCAS Miramar Provost Marshal’s Office.
With recent happenings, active shooter scenarios are as important as ever. For police, the experience from these exercises adds to their effectiveness, should an actual threat exist.