Web Extra: Training Teaches Skills During Active Shooter Emergency

Here in Central Arkansas, the Benton Police Department simulated an active shooter emergency in July they said has taken on a whole new degree of importance in light of recent mass shooting events.

"It's very chaotic in this type of an environment," said Lieutenant Kevin Russell with Benton Police.

Officers have been performing these "active shooter training" scenarios over the past few months to help them better manage the chaos and find the shooter as soon as possible.

"It gives them a little taste of realism in training," said Russell, "Always being out on the street and not encountering situations like this that are at least close to real."

And the scenarios are extremely realistic, there are real shell casings left on the ground the smell of smoke in the air.

"It's so real," said volunteer Valarie Boyette, "It scares me. I know everything that's happening right now it could totally happen any minute."

Volunteers giving their time like Boyette know the importance of emergency personnel practice.

"The good thing about the training we do already is it teaches officers tactics to use no matter where they're at," said Russell.

And the officers get constructive criticism on things they could do differently if ever placed in this horrific situation.