A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Counter, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) Training, which is designed to teach students, staff and faculty the proper procedures in the event of an active shooter situation on campus, will take place this month for the fifth year on campus.

The class is structured in two pieces: first, a presentation explaining the goal of the program, followed by realistic activities designed to give participants an idea of what a true active shooter situation would feel like. The activities simulate real-life situations in which lockdown is not the ideal response, and teaches its participants how to respond to these situations.

According to Sergeant Paul Owens of the Case Western Reserve University Police Department, “A.L.I.C.E. training gives participants the opportunity to learn current best practices with regard to how to respond to an active shooter situations—practices informed both by research and lessons from actual active-shooter situations.”

Every member of the CWRU community is encouraged to participate in the active shooter training as it teaches its participants proper procedure regarding other emergencies other than active shooter situations.

The training places an emphasis on personal safety and awareness of one’s surroundings, as well as the use of the SHIELD app and utilization of the CWRU Police.

CWRU police anticipate increased participation in this year’s training due to multiple recent high school shootings, which received a great deal of publicity and caused an uptake in the push for awareness on how to respond to active shooter situations.

According to its mission, A.L.I.C.E. helps “participants learn more about how best to protect themselves in a given situation.”

The most important skill Owens hopes A.L.I.C.E. participants will take from the experience is the ability to calmly respond to situations.

“We want people to understand that they have positive options and to be able to have the presence of mind to react effectively if they ever encounter a dangerous situation,” he said.

This year’s A.L.I.C.E. Training will take place on Mar. 1 and 15 in the Tinkham Veale University Center Ballrooms from noon until 1 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to participate.