Southlake Police Officers Participate in Training Exercise

Police officers with the City of Southlake’s Department of Public Safety are currently participating in “active shooter” training.  This is just one of the many training exercises that Southlake police officers participate in throughout the year.

Southlake DPS peace officers are commissioned with the State of Texas through TCLEOSE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education). The frequent training required by TCLEOSE ensures that Southlake residents and visitors are protected and served by the most highly trained and ethical law enforcement personnel.  

The current training exercises involve “active shooter” training. An “active shooter” is defined as, “one or more shooters engaging in an assault with a deadly weapon capable of causing mass casualties.” The purpose of this type of on-going training is to provide officers with skill development and tactical experience in the event of a real-life situation.

The first portion of each class begins with classroom instruction then moves into “mock” training scenarios.  These scenarios include individuals portraying the “active shooter or shooters” with officers putting their knowledge, experience and skills to the test.

These first responders are trained to assess a situation quickly and diffuse a threat while protecting anyone who may be in harm’s way. During training, officers learn how to: immediately assess a threat to neutralize and control an active scene; and determine whether anyone has been injured to allow for a rescue operation.  Communication is the key to the efficiency of any special response team.

Southlake DPS officers are trained to put themselves between the shooter and innocent victims whenever necessary. These types of training exercises allow officers to be prepared at all times in the event of a real-life threat.

The Department of Public Safety is committed to providing a safe and thriving community for Southlake residents and businesses.