Michelle Hamaker
UNK public safety director, 308.865.8517
The University of Nebraska at Kearney will be hosting a mock hostage/active shooter exercise from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17.
According to Michelle Hamaker, UNK director of Police and Parking Services, the exercise will take place in and around Conrad Hall. University Police, the Kearney Police Department and Buffalo County Emergency Service Unit personnel will be in the area, along with actors playing the roles of victims. All law enforcement will be in full gear and standard equipment for the exercise.
“This is an important exercise for our campus and the law enforcement community,” Hamaker said. “It allows us to practice our plans and procedures, and work as a community. We ask that the campus and the community take the necessary precautions not to interfere with the exercise.”
The metered and commuter parking areas east of the Nebraskan will be closed that day. During the exercise, there will be no access allowed into Conrad Hall. Those needing Residence Life assistance during the exercise can reach Residence Life personnel at 308.865.8519.
“This is a mock event,” Hamaker said. “There will be no live ammunition used. You will, however, hear loud simulated gunfire. Emergency vehicles with lights and sirens employed will be arriving. There will be simulated injuries and a significant amount of activity. Again, this is a drill. There will not be any real injuries or shooters.”
Informational notices have been provided to the neighborhood east of campus, and posters and flyers have been placed on bulletin boards throughout campus.
