SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Police officers from across California and the world are in the Bay Area this weekend for Operation Urban Shield. An intense training of real-life scenarios, but critics of the event don't like what they call the increased militarization of police.
San Francisco's Hall of Justice was swarming with police Saturday. They were responding to reports of an active shooter inside, but this was only a drill -- one of 35 police training events across the Bay Area.
In Castro Valley, airsoft pellet weapons were used by police in a scenario where a gunman takes hostages inside a church.
"All teams find this scenario very real. No time to practice, just go and do it," said Sgt. Tom Rodriguez.
Bill Gile is a church member, playing the part of a hostage..
"As you know, there are people in the world, who like to take over churches. This is good training for them," said Gile.
Many others feel Operation Urban Shield has no place in the Bay Area. Some are so concerned that they're meeting about it in Berkeley. Many are from the Alameda County Peace & Freedom Party.
"I think police need training, but not when it comes to using more doodads and weapons. They need training to see if a situation is dangerous," said Marsh Feinland of the Peace and Freedom Party.
A protest against Operation Urban Shield was held in Oakland Friday. Mayor Jean Quan says she wants the event moved out of Oakland next year.
But police say the training is essential.
"For us not to train would be silly. For us to be ready is important," said Sgt. Rodriguez.
Operation Urban Shield continues through Monday.