UW-Superior Police Participate in Active Shooter Training

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Police on the campus of U-W Superior held their first-ever active shooter training exercises.

Officers are using the fine arts building for mock drills that will last till Thursday. Some of the training is focused on approaching and assessing an active shooter scene.

The UWS Police Chief says it’s on him to make sure his team is as prepared as possible for the worst.

“As chief of police, it’s my duty to make sure my department is trained and respond to a multitude of calls,” said Chief Joe Eickman, UWS Police Department. “As an institution of higher education, we just have to be prepared for anything to happen on campus. And make sure we can respond appropriately.”

The two-day training also includes new methods and strategies when it comes active shootings.

“The response then was to wait for squad to arrive. And that’s, you know, 45 minutes to an hour on that response. Since then, the law enforcement has taken upon themselves to get the patrol officers to be the first ones to respond. I know for a while it was waiting for a four-person team. And that took too long,” said Chief Eickman.

The UW Superior police is responsible for keeping nearly 3,000 students safe. Not to mention faculty, staff, and the campus’ many daily visitors.