SAN MARCOS -- Recent mass shootings in the United States and overseas prompted Cal State San Marcos to schedule a pair of active-shooter drills Wednesday involving police officers, firefighters, and medical personnel.
The exercises are set to beginning at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the University Student Union. They are not open for public viewing.
"The safety and welfare of our campus community is our highest priority," said Robert McManus, CSUSM's chief of police. "Conducting and planning for this exercise will allow us to assess our emergency response, interagency coordination and recovery efforts after such an event."
A statement from the university said school officials want to make sure they're prepared for an emergency following recent shootings in San Bernardino, Colorado Springs, Paris and Roseburg, Oregon. The latter took place on a college campus.
Participants will include the CSUSM University Police Department, San Diego County Sheriff's Department, San Marcos Fire Department, Escondido Fire and Police departments, Palomar Hospital, Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and Rady Children's Hospital.
CSUSM officials said residents and motorists may notice emergency vehicles, including medical helicopters, ambulances, fire trucks and patrol cars on campus and the surrounding community. Traffic control measures will be implemented throughout campus, which is on winter break.
