Abstract
Media headlines all too often report scenarios o f active shooters and terroristic attacks, many of which criticize law enforcement response. In 1999, two students entered Columbine High School and opened fire on students and faculty for an hour; the SWAT teams did not find them for four and a half hours. Due to this, the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) program was created to teach first responders how to respond to such circumstances; however there is little to no research concerning the appropriate police response. The present study was conducted to
determine the perceived effectiveness of the ALERRT Program Active Shooter course
for Texas peace officers. Through the survey responses, the program was found to be
extremely effective for active shooter scenarios, as well as every day policing tasks. In
addition, consensus concluded that active shooter training should be mandated by the
state. Areas for future research are discussed.
