First-responders prepare for life-and-death scenario

Police transformed the city’s busiest shopping mall into a training ground last week.

After closing time Sun., Sept. 10, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Ventura County Fire Department used The Oaks to prepare for the unthinkable: someone entering the shopping center with an assault rifle and opening fire.

“We look for places hot in the news and situations that have taken place in cities around the country,” Detective Tim Lohman said. “In this case, we set up a scenario where somebody is identified as an active shooter.”

As part of the drill, deputies from several specialized units—including SWAT—descended on the shopping center in full combat gear. Regular patrol officers, firefighters and even some mall staff were also involved. In all, the training lasted around two hours.

The department has conducted similar exercises at local schools and Los Robles Hospital.

“We want it to feel real so everyone knows exactly what to do in the event something ever does happen,” Lohman said.

The department follows the drills with a debriefing, discussing what went right as well as areas for improvement.

To avoid public confusion or panic at seeing a number of first responders or their vehicles, the department generally uses signage to let people know a drill is underway, but that isn’t always enough.

During last week’s drill, law enforcement used a special frequency to communicate so as to not interfere with real police calls, but at least one local radio enthusiast picked up the sound and thought the attack was actually taking place.

If someone were to open fire at the mall, the best thing the public can do is get away from the shooter as quickly as possible, Lohman said. He advised shoppers to be aware of where the exits are, and if they can’t get outside to find a room with a lockable door.

But the best advice to shoppers, the detective said, is to help prevent such an event from occurring: Always be aware of your surroundings and speak up.

“If someone seems suspicious, talk to police or mall security,” Lohman said. “It might be a big nothing, but nobody should feel bad about calling, even if that’s what it turns out to be.”