Grand Prairie Police Officers. Photo Credit – Fabian Alvidrez
TCU was one of the host sites for a large-scale regional emergency response drill held across North Texas on Oct. 27–28. The two-day exercise called Metro X tested how agencies coordinate during terrorist threats and mass-casualty incidents while also preparing responders for next year’s FIFA World Cup, of which Dallas is a host site.
Police Team. Photo Credit – Fabian Alvidrez
Police, firefighters, hospitals and emergency personnel from over 100 agencies across four counties took part, converging at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Vehicles and crews filled the area as teams worked together to test communication, coordination and response times. Multiple media outlets including CBS News and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram were on site to cover the event.
The first day of the exercise focused on a simulated terrorist attack. Students from TCU’s journalism capstone class attended, capturing photos and observing emergency crews in action.
The second day featured a mock press conference led by Adrian Andrews, TCU’s assistant vice chancellor for public safety. Students from the Schieffer College Department of Journalism’s Reporting class stepped into the role of reporters, asking thoughtful and pressing questions to simulate a real breaking news event.
During the press conference, students asked a range of questions.
Journalism Reporting Students at Mock Press Conference.
“What is being done to ensure the public is safe,” asked junior Bud Riley, a journalism and film, television and digital media double major.
“What were the response times for TCU Police and Fort Worth Police,” Macy Bayer, junior journalism major, inquired.
Junior journalism major Ryland Scott pushed harder.
“With there being previous threats over the past few years, how was there such a large oversight?”
Raquel Caballero Chica, also a junior journalism major, added a question in Spanish, highlighting the importance of bilingual reporting and reaching all members of the community.
Jean Marie Brown, associate professor of professional practice and director of student media, guided her students through the process, using these events as a teaching method on ethical reporting, giving students hands-on experience with press briefings, live questioning and fast-paced information gathering.
“The exercise was a great way for students to put into practice the things they’ve been learning in the classroom. It forces them to think in the moment and listen for critical information.”