This browser does not support the Video element.
TROY, Mich. (WJBK) - More than 1,200 packed Kensington church in Troy for active shooter training Thursday night.
They were shown what to do if a gunman storms their school church or workplace. Police said that we have to think differently for active shooter scenarios - you can't just hide. You may have to take bold action and when all else fails - you may have to fight.
"If they are going to make their way into that room, and you have no other choice, you should not be sitting there waiting for them to get you," said Officer John Julian.
Call it the gospel of A.L.I.C.E. It stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate. It is the model gaining traction around the country.
"Don't give up, do not choose to be a victim," Julian said. "The natural response is to get on the ground because there is danger and there is gunfire. Once you are there, think of what your next move is. Are you going to make your way towards an evacuation point, are you going to arm yourself, are you going to do more than just sit there and wait?”
The message, while perhaps harsh and unnerving to some, resonated with those who heard it.
"We are going to be doing some revamping of our lockdown drills," said Jena Lenz, of Huron Academy. "It is very interesting and we are going to be putting some of these protocols into place at our school."
Jena Lenz and Michelle Alger are educators
"We can't take the approach anymore of thinking it can never be us," Lenz said. "Because it can be."
"Every environment you have to be aware no matter what," said Katrina McMahon of Kensington Church in Clarkston. "Don't just assume it is safe because it is a Sunday and it is a church."
Allen Park Public Schools held a town hall last week teaching parents on A.L.I.C.E. and new safety protocols the district is putting in place.
There have been dozens of threats to local schools since the mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida. Dangerous times, calling for desperate measures.
"That is the sad reality that we live in," said Julian. "But you need to be prepared. Not to scare you, but to prepare you. To be informed, because if you don't know - you won't know what else you can do."
Next up, Troy schools. Police will train staffers in the district and ALICE will be in place for the 2018-2019 school year.