From VCU Police communication:

To the VCU and VCU Health Communities,

This Wednesday, Aug. 3, the Virginia Commonwealth University and City of Richmond police departments will conduct an active shooter training exercise on the Monroe Park Campus between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

This training gives police an opportunity to practice a coordinated response to a VCU building, which is critical in an active shooter incident.

This daylong exercise consists of a simulated emergency in which a single shooter is inside the Shafer Street Playhouse. The exercise will be realistic, with simulated sounds inside the building, including gunfire and crowd panic.

On Aug. 3, text messages will be sent to VCU Alert subscribers prior to and at the conclusion of the training. If you do not receive VCU alerts, please sign up for alerts online. Information about the exercise and a map of the area is posted on alert.vcu.edu. Questions can be directed to the VCU Police non-emergency dispatch line at (804) 828-1196.

Impacts to the campus will be minimal, but are necessary for training purposes.

· Franklin Street will be closed between Harrison and Laurel streets, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vehicle access will also be closed to Shafer Street between Franklin and Grace streets during the same time.
· The area around the Shafer Street Playhouse will be clearly marked with signs and security officers will be on-site to answer questions and direct pedestrian traffic.

· Pedestrian traffic between Franklin Street and the Shafer Street Playhouse will be closed intermittently while the exercise is in session.

This exercise will take place in lieu of VCU’s monthly siren test. A full test of VCU’s alert system is scheduled for Sept. 7.
Throughout the year, VCU Police officers offer active shooter response training for groups of VCU and VCU Health students, faculty and staff. Training requests can be emailed to crimeprevreq@vcu.edu. Active shooter safety information and an educational video on the “Run. Hide. Fight.” method for personal safety during such incidents is always available on the VCU Police website.

I ask that each and every member of the university community stay vigilant throughout the year and report any suspicious behavior to police immediately. All tips are investigated and we need each of you to help keep our campuses safe.

Sincerely,

Chief John Venuti, VCU Police Department

Assistant Vice President for Public Safety