Police and emergency personnel take part in a training drill Monday at Chico Mall. (From left) Chico police officers Dane Gregory, Mike Caldwell, Jeremy Struthers and Dale Prosise practice looking for an active shooter.(Ty Barbour/Staff Photo)

CHICO — A pair of realistic drills Monday tested the ability of Chico police and firefighters to deal with an active shooter, in a public place, intent on inflicting as many injuries as possible in a short period of time.

The first drill, at 6 a.m., brought emergency personnel to the Chico Mall on East 20th Street. Police, including SWAT members, found civilian “victims” already suffering from pretend gunshot wounds. During the process of working their way toward the imaginary shooter, officers also sustained wounds.

Some victims were fitted with artificial hands and wrists, which bled a red liquid onto the mall floor, adding to the realism of the drill.

Police Lt. Linda Dye said the drills simulated environments with real world possibilities. “These situations evolve rapidly and require a rapid and dynamic response from police officers in the field,” Dye stated in a press release.

Read entire article

The Emergency Election Sale is now live! Get 30% to 60% off our most popular products today!