The shooting last week on the University of Texas campus was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violent crime.

“It causes me to stop and think about the reality that it can happen anywhere,” said ACU Chief of Police Jimmy Ellison. “There are levels of preparedness and levels of training, but the truth is you cannot prepare and be ready to respond to anything and everything that’s out there, but I think we’re as prepared as we can be.”

Although crime is impossible to predict, Ellison said the ACU Police are adequately prepared to respond to an active shooter on campus.

“All of our officers are certified peace officers,” Ellison said. “We, as an ACU police department, have undergone training in active shooter response. Additionally, our agency and all local and regional law enforcement agencies train every year in a campus-based scenario of an active shooter that helps not only train ACU police department, but also other police departments for a joint response.”

Last Tuesday’s events brought the reality of such an inexplicable situation to the forefront of many students’ minds.

“It’s definitely scary,” said Carly Branscum, sophomore AD/PR major from Fort Worth. “Ever since the shooting it feels like more of a reality. I didn’t really think about it that much before, and so when things like that happen so close to home … here on campus I feel safe. Especially since its such a tight community.”

“I was sad for them but it didn’t really affect my security here, ” said Michelle Brabham, junior communications major from the Woodlands.

Students are encouraged to sign up for the ACU Alert text message system to receive immediate information about any threats to the ACU campus or student body. Students can sign up at www.acu.edu/campusoffices/acu_police/acualert.