Not all learning happens inside a classroom. Sometimes it comes in a different environment as it did on Wednesday when Meridian Community College’s Campus Police conducted and led its fifth annual drill.

The practice drill, which this year was a pretend active shooter, helps to prepare campus police for potential emergencies. “Every other year we do an active shooter drill,” MCC Campus Police Chief Shane Williams said.

More than 100 students, instructors and staff members joined to participate in this event that was held at the MCC-Riley Workforce Development Center. Since the facility is located about a half a mile from Ivy Hall on the college’s main campus, an added response time was put into play.

MCC Associate Degree Nursing, Emergency Services division, criminal justice and Media Production students also got the chance to learn as they attended to the “victims” and recorded the action.

Realistic simulations for professions are increasingly important and practices such as this help blend the ideas of theory and practice. “It is a great opportunity to learn what to do in an active shooter situation,” said Kathy McKay, ADN instructor.

Community agencies including Meridian Police, Lauderdale County Sheriff, Meridian Fire and Marion Police departments as well as Metro Ambulance and Lauderdale Emergency Management Agency participated in the drill. Getting other agencies involved also helps personnel to become familiarized with each other, Williams noted.