South Jersey Community Stages Active Shooter Simulation

MONROE Twp., N.J. (CBS) -- Community leaders in Monroe Township staged an active shooter simulation to prepare should the actual scenario arise. While it was intense, leaders say the training was worth it and they would do it again.

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"You can't look at the paper or watch the news for a week without seeing an active shooter somewhere in our country," Monroe Township Police Chief John McKeown told Eyewitness News.

McKeown gave Eyewitness News exclusive access to the active shooter simulation. Mayor Dan Teefy was taken hostage, by two men who identified themselves as sovereign citizens who were upset with him and local government.

"Members of our agency have been preparing for active shooters since Columbine happened," McKeown said. The department partnered with high school drama students who put on makeup to help authenticate the situation for first responders and law enforcement.

"It helps our officers get a little stress under their belt and deal with the situation with stress," Lieutenant Dave Dailey told Eyewitness News.