February 26, 2019 - Westchester County is offering an opportunity for residents to learn the strategies and skills they could use to survive if an active shooter event occurred in their place of work or other public venue. Known as Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE), the training class will be offered on Wednesday, March 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains. The training is free and open to the public.

CRASE training is a training program used by corporations, schools, workplaces, governments and law enforcement officers all over the Country to raise awareness, educate and empower residents with the knowledge they may need if they find themselves in this nightmare scenario.

County Executive George Latimer said: “Government’s most important job is ensuring the safety of its residents – and CRASE training is just another way we can meet that important task. This is a wonderful opportunity to inform and empower yourself in case of emergency.”

CRASE training is built around the principles of Avoid, Deny and Defend. The Westchester County Police officers who conduct the training provide practical guidance and actions that the public can take during each of these stages, Public Safety Commissioner Thomas A. Gleason said.

Gleason said: “CRASE is a proven plan to increase the odds of surviving if you are present during an active shooter incident.”

Westchester County Police have already provided CRASE training to hundreds of county employees, many school district employees and other members of law enforcement, who have brought the training back to their local communities.

In addition, County Police have worked closely with educators, staff and students to enhance the prevention of, and response to, an active shooter event in school buildings where county police officers serve as School Resource Officers.