BENTON, Ark. (KTHV) -- Police officers went through some intense active training in Benton today. Benton and Haskell police departments met at Benton Junior high for some active shooter training. They set up live scenarios where the unthinkable happens
It's hands on training for police officers in Benton. "We are doing active duty training to teach officers how to handle situations heaven forbid they ever happen." Lt. Kevin Russell says officers have been taking part in this training for the past seven years.
"It's so real, I know that everything happening right now could totally happen any minute." Valarie Boyette is volunteering as a victim to help these scenarios seem realistic. These officers are going through several scenarios like school shootings and hostage situations, so they are ready should a tragedy strike.
Each scenario is extremely realistic, the ammunition they are using is like a paintball the plastic tip is filled with detergent and the officers say when it hits you it's very painful.
In light of the recent Colorado movie theatre shooting Lt. Russell also says that could become a scenario they use to train officers next year. Nearly one hundred officers go through the training each year.