Prince George's County Police Train for Mass Shooting

Police in Prince George’s County had mass shooting on the mind before the overnight massacre at a screening of the latest Batman movie in Aurora, Colo. The department carried on with its previously planned mass shooting training exercise Friday.

Though planned months ago, the training took on new meaning just hours after the tragedy in Colorado.

The exercise simulated a gunman on the loose at Wise High School in Upper Marlboro, Md. Though the victims were acting, real snipers, SWAT teams, bomb squads and K-9 units were ready.

Police used their Peace Keeper, the vehicle the SWAT team rides, which is not only bulletproof, but armor-piercing bulletproof. It also is equipped with the Patriot, which allows the team to make upstairs entries.

Positioning police in strategic places can prevent attacks, police said. The public can help as well by staying alert and reporting suspicious activity, Assistant Chief Kevin Davis said.

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