VCU news

By Corey Byers

Police agencies from Virginia Commonwealth University and the City of Richmond will conduct an active shooter training exercise Wednesday, Aug. 3, on the Monroe Park Campus.

Reporters are invited to cover a portion of the exercise and should arrive by noon at the intersection of Franklin and Shafer streets to be escorted to the site. VCU Police Chief John Venuti and Richmond Deputy Police Chief Steve Drew will be available to answer questions at the conclusion of that portion of the exercise. Media parking is available on West Franklin and Shafer streets.

The daylong exercise consists of a simulated emergency in which a single shooter is inside the Shafer Street Playhouse. The exercise is realistic, with simulated sounds inside the building, including gunfire and crowd panic, allowing police to practice a coordinated response, which is critical in an active shooter situation.

Multiple communications, including mass mails and social media, will be employed in advance of the exercise to increase awareness among the university community, neighborhood organizations and area businesses.

Also, on the day of the exercise, text messages will be sent to more than 45,000 VCU Alert subscribers. The area will be clearly marked with signs and security officers will be on-site to answer questions and direct pedestrian traffic.

Franklin Street will be closed between Harrison and Laurel streets from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vehicle access will also be closed to Shafer Street between Franklin and Grace streets during the same time. 

The exercise will take place in lieu of VCU’s monthly siren test.

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