Photo by Kaitlin Parks, Lantern Staff
Hayley Smith
Editor-in-Chief
ALICE (alert, lockdown, inform, counter, evacuate) Training is an active killer training that Butler is offering to anyone that is interested.
Many students grew up being taught that they should run and hide from active killers and fight only when it is the only thing left to do.
“(ALICE Training) is run, hide, fight on steroids,” Butler Chief of Police Tim Bryan said.
The training consists of a short slideshow and discussion followed by real-life training and implementation of the ALICE program spanning over a two-hour block.
Those in the classes are faced with situations where there is an active killer in the room or in the building with them. The “killer”, armed with an airsoft gun, has one goal: to shoot as many individuals as possible. The motive of those in the room: Get out without being shot.
Different scenarios are played out, including what the outcome is when individuals simply hide compared to when they engage the shooter.
Those who are ALICE Training certified include Police Chief Tim Bryan, Vice President of Student Services Bill Rinkenbaugh, Director of Residence Life Carly Brock, Sgt. James Welch and Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences Troy Nordman.
Of course, for those with disabilities, training will differ. According to Director of Disabilities Services Teressa Eastman, there are 275 students enrolled at Butler who have disabilities. Eastman explained how she believes ALICE Training will be beneficial to these students.
“It’s a culture that we are teaching through ALICE Training and other training to assist others where you can,” Eastman said. “There are some people that are going to assist people…others will hide or do something else.”
On July 1, 2017, state laws are set to change that will allow students and others to lawfully carry guns on campus. This causes concern for faculty and students.
“I have great concerns about more guns being on this, or any college campus,” Bryan said.
This training will help not only at college, but for any area of life. Bryan explained how the training will apply no matter where you are, whether it be a place of worship, a shopping center or even at your home.
Resident assistants completed ALICE Training before the school year began.
“ALICE Training was very beneficial,” sophomore Stacy Tuxhorn said. “Training taught me that in the case of danger, such as an armed intruder, being able to know what you are going to do will help the situation be solved and acted upon.”
Anyone who is interested in going through the ALICE Training can contact Chief Bryan or Brock to receive more information on when classes will be available. Bryan made it clear that he will organize and schedule the class for anyone with interest.
Bryan can be reached in his office at (316)322-3232 or by email at jbryan8@butlercc.edu.
Brock can be reached by email at cbrock2@butlercc.edu and by phone at (316)323-6939.