Regal Cinemas — which operates two movie theaters in Davis — implemented extra security measures Friday in the wake of a mass shooting at a Colorado movie theater earlier that day.

At last count, the rampage at a Century theater showing of “The Dark Knight Rises” had killed 12 people and wounded 58 others.

“Moviegoers should expect stricter controls over character attire and accessories at our theaters,” Regal spokesman Russ Nunley said Friday. “We reserve the right to inspect the contents of any backpack, package or bag.”

Nunley declined to go into detail about the theater chain’s security measures “for obvious reasons.”

But safety wasn’t a major concern for local moviegoers Friday afternoon.

“I definitely feel safe, especially being in Davis; I always feel safe here,” UC Davis student Sara Thomas said as she purchased tickets for that night’s showing of the latest Batman thriller at Regal Davis Holiday 6 on F Street.

“I feel it’s more of a one-time thing, a thing you really can’t control,” Thomas said of the Aurora, Colo., massacre. “I guess there could be (more security), but I feel if someone wanted to do something like this that they’d find a way around it.”

Added Juan Gomez of Los Angeles, who was visiting Davis on Friday: “I don’t think it will happen again because everyone is more alert now.”

That includes members of the Davis Police Department.

Local police haven’t received any requests for extra security at local theaters, but Lt. Paul Doroshov said the Colorado shooting is likely to be on officers’ minds as they patrol the downtown area.

“It will no doubt raise their awareness to keep an eye on the movie theaters,” Doroshov said. “Anytime something like this happens, it causes us to think twice.”

Davis police are trained to respond to active shooter incidents. Officers receive ongoing training at least once a year, with one session scheduled for later this month.

Spurred by the mass shooting at Columbine High School in 1999, the training focuses on school environments, though “the principles are the same no matter where it happens,” Doroshov said.

UC Davis police developed a similar protocol following the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre.

Doroshov said Friday’s shooting shouldn’t prevent anyone from going to the movies, but people should always be vigilant as to what’s going on around them. If something appears suspicious, don’t hesitate to call the police.

“Nine times out of 10 it’s nothing, but that one time can avert a disaster from happening,” Doroshov said.

— Enterprise staff writer Kim Orendor contributed to this report.

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