The Texas State University System board of regents approved the construction of new Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training, or ALERRT, Center facilities during a Feb. 12 meeting. The project has an estimated cost of $25 million.
The big picture
The facilities will address a need for more ALERRT Center space to provide an Integrated Response Training Program, according to Texas State University. The program prepares officers and first responders to effectively respond to active shooters and violent threats through scenario-based training.
The project will add a 14,800-square-foot administration building, featuring an office and conference space. The building will have an attached 16,400-square-foot, climate-controlled logistics warehouse designed to store training equipment.
“We're excited about getting started on it and really improving the conditions of our current facility to make it current, modern and able to meet the needs that this research requires,” Director of External Relations James Keith said.
ALERRT Center staff is currently split between offices on Texas State University’s main campus and the training facility, Keith said. The new administration building will allow all employees to work in one location.
“The current logistics warehouse is too small,” Keith said. “This is going to help give us some more space, help us to get a little bit better organized and get all staff under one roof.”
In addition to the administration building and warehouse, the $25 million will fund the creation of 117 parking spaces, utility improvements, security fencing around the facility and controlled security entrances, according to the university.
A closer look
Texas State University officials acquired 75 acres of land from the U.S. General Services Administration in March 2025, including a cluster of 16 buildings near William Pettis Road. The university will use the land for the ALERRT Center expansion.
Officials hope to break ground on the project in April, Keith said. The construction phase will follow the groundbreaking and last an estimated 12 months.
Zooming out
The center currently features several small buildings, shooting ranges and training areas. The increased demand for violent threat response training by law enforcement agencies necessitates the facility’s expansion, according to university officials.
ALERRT was created in 2002 as a partnership between Texas State University, the San Marcos Police Department and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
The FBI declared the ALERRT Level 1 program as the national standard for active shooter and violent threat response training in 2013.
