San Diego State University on Monday released a realistic active shooter safety training video filmed on campus with student actors.
The University spent more than half a year working on the film, even hiring a professional production company. It gives students and staff a crash course on what to do in the event of an active shooter, and explains the resources available to help prevent a tragedy from happening in the first place.
"I feel like there is something I could learn because some people panic, which isn't the best," said SDSU Sophomore Lindsey Streeter, who added she feels safe on campus.
The university already offers active shooter training sessions and a wide-range of literature, but made this video to resonate with the SDSU community and expand on local resources.
"When we look at best practices, when we look at active shooter incidents, we need to make sure that we're emaning progessive, and this is one way to do that," said SDSU Police Chief Josh Mays.
Mays said the video is easily shareable and gives a fast, wide ranging lesson in how to prepare.
The 12-minute video shows police responding to a hypothetical active shooter on campus. It also shows students in a classroom following the three steps in that situation: Run away first. If that's not possible, hide, and if all else fails, fight.
The video shows students barricading doors, using belts and furniture. There is also a scene of them preparing for a fight, using anything available nearby such as fire extinguishers and skateboards.
Mays narrates the video, and encourages students and staff to sign up for SDSU emergency alerts. He encouraged anyone to come to SDSU Police with tips on suspicious behaviors, without worrying about mislabeling someone without ill-intentions.
The university spent about $25,000 producing the video.
