Saving Lives and Ensuring Safety:
Chief Waters Brings Simulation Training to His Team
“Gunshot fired! Gunshot fired," yelled Officer Rick Diaz as they entered the building filled with screaming students. As Diaz entered the building with his partner, Tom Spaulding, the two campus safety officers hugged the hallway walls as terrified students ran towards the exit behind them.
Following the gunfire, the two officers entered another hallway, and within seconds, an exchange of gunfire ensued as the assailant's threat was removed.
The simulation of a live shooter on campus was one of three scenarios RSCCD's campus safety officers encountered during intense training in partnership with Artemis Defense Institute. The simulation room, with 300-degree video screens and numerous scenarios, was part of Chief Dave Waters's crisis preparation training for his team.
“I reviewed many training sites and modules and the folks from Artemis are among the best in Southern California. They understand not only the scenarios we are uniquely faced with on a college campus but also current laws and practices to guide our actions," said the Chief.
Even though many of the campus safety officers employed by the Rancho Santiago Community College District have years of law enforcement experience, the training was highly critical due to changing laws and procedures, especially in handling a live-shooter incident.
Officer Tom Spaulding, a retired veteran of the Orange County Sheriff's Department, mentioned the rules of engagement had changed substantially over the years, especially with deadly force. “I am unlearning 10-20 years of police training and relearning new practices."
Ruiz, who is in his eighth year as a U.S. Marine Reserves, appreciates these simulation exercises. In a different scenario, where a suspect was clearly irritated with a gun in the parking lot, the two officers worked together to resolve the situation. “There was so much chaos in that scenario, and I had to keep reminding myself to work towards de-escalating the situation," he said.
Responding to the immediate safety and welfare of the campus community has changed over recent years with the unfortunate number of campus shootings across the country. “While in the past, officers waited for help from supporting law enforcement agencies, we now go after the shooter first," said Chief Waters. “We can't wait because lives are at stake. If you have an active assailant on campus, our officers MUST engage with them!"
Chief Waters plans to train and prepare his officers continuously. “Every day, families and friends entrust their loved ones to the care of our faculty and staff. I want my team to be fully equipped to support the RSCCD family, bringing a sense of safety, security, and peace wherever and whenever they are at any of our facilities."
