University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha Campus to Host Law Enforcement Training on Oct. 17

UNMC and area law enforcement agencies will conduct a full-scale training exercise on Oct. 17 in the Maurer Center for Public Health on the UNMC Omaha campus.

During the daylong exercise, the public may see increased activity in and around the Maurer Center, including uniformed law enforcement officials responding to mock scenarios of an active shooter/armed intruder. This is only a training exercise.

During the exercise, volunteers will simulate specific roles and emergency vehicles will be present.

The drill, called “Operation Blue Echo,” will allow local agencies, led by the med center’s Police and Public Safety Department, to review response plans, procedures and capabilities. The scenario-driven event is not open to the public, and individuals should not attempt to enter the space during the exercise.

Limited media availability: A limited media coverage opportunity will begin at 8:30 a.m. with UNMC Emergency Management Director Diane Mack. Once the drill starts at 9 a.m., Mack will no longer be available. Due to training needs, media will not be allowed into the building to film the exercise, but media is invited to film the initial response from a designated area as emergency vehicles arrive.

Media parking is available in the lot directly south of the East Utility Plant, accessible by turning south on 40th Street from Emile Street.

Media members are asked to contact John Keenan or Kelsey Kirk if planning to attend the event.