WKUPD active shooter training to include blank gunfire

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, January 10, 2024

The Western Kentucky University Police Department has warned those near campus of planned gunfire Wednesday and Thursday afternoon during a training exercise.

WKUPD Capt. Paul Burden said several officers will train for an active shooter situation at McCormack Hall starting around 4 p.m.

Email newsletter signup

Burden said intermittent gunfire may be heard every 30 to 45 minutes until around 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., though no live bullets will be used.

“It’ll be three to four officers at most and they’ll be running several different scenarios over the course of the afternoon and evening,” Burden said. “They’ll have live ‘Simunition’ which basically means a real looking gun with fake bullets with a little powder in them.”

Burden said these blank rounds are quieter than typical gunfire but can still be mistaken for live rounds.

Several police vehicles will be present and in the area during that time. Fire and EMS personnel will not participate in the training.

“They’ll start out in a car, be dispatched to a call of an active shooter there at McCormack Hall and just evaluate how they respond,” Burden said.

Burden said this is the first exercise of this style that will not be held in conjunction with the Bowling Green Police Department.

He added that few students are currently on campus as classes resume Jan. 16.