22 Jan Active Shooter Awareness and Response Training

An active shooter is defined as an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. There were over 500 mass shootings events in the United States last year, according to the Gun Violence Archive (GVA), We have experienced an increase in frequency of these events since the Covid-19 pandemic. We share with you some ways in which you can identify, prevent and prepare for these incidents, as well as behaviors to adopt so you can react quickly when every second counts.

Profile of an active shooter

• Increase in alcohol or illegal drug use
• Unexplained increase in absenteeism (At work, school, responsibilities)
• Depression and withdrawal
• Increased mood swings and emotional responses
• Repeated violation of company policies
• Escalation of domestic problems, talks of severe financial problems
• Violence and hate speech in social media, comments about violent crimes or weapons
• Empathy towards individuals committing violence
• Worsened physical appearance and personal hygiene

Signs of an active shooting being planned/about to take place

• Unusual items or situations – vehicles parked in odd locations, unattended items, out-of-the-ordinary situations.
• Eliciting information – an individual has questions beyond idle curiosity regarding a building’s purpose, operations, security procedures, shift changes
• Observation/Surveillance – an individual pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings
• Repeated or prolonged observation of a building — Note taking or sketching regarding a building.

How to prevent and prepare for an active shooter situation

• Be aware of indications of workplace violence, and create system for reporting signs of violent behavior
• Conduct effective employee screening and background checks during hiring process
• Foster a respectful workplace environment
• Make counseling services available to employees
• Develop an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
• Post evacuation routes in conspicuous locations through your facility
• Encourage law enforcement, emergency responders, SWAT teams, K-9 teams, and bomb squads to train for an active shooter scenario at your location
• Place removable floor plans near entrances and exits for emergency responders

Prepare an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to prepare your staff and conduct a training exercise. The EAP must contain the following:

1. Preferred method for reporting emergencies
2. An evacuation policy and procedure
3. Emergency escape procedures
4. Contact information for, and responsibilities of individuals to be contacted under EAP
5. Information concerning local area hospitals
6. An emergency notification system to alert various parties of an emergency (Individuals at remote locations within premises, local law enforcement, local area hospitals)

The training exercise must cover the following topics:

1. Recognizing the sounds of gunshots
2. Reacting quickly when gunshots are heard, or a shooting is witnessed (Run / Hide / Fight)
3. When to call 911
4. How to react when law enforcement arrives
5. Mind set during times of crisis

When in an active shooting – RUN / HIDE / FIGHT – always elect to Run/evacuate the scene if possible.

• Run – know where the nearest exit from you is and have an escape plan in mind (Windows can be used as exits too). Help others escape, if possible, do not stop to assist wounded or frozen people until after the incident has ended. Always keep your hands visible when leaving the scene. Try to stay out of open areas when escaping
• Hide/Hide Out – if you cannot evacuate, find a place to hide. Lock and barricade all entries (doors and windows). Know the difference between cover and concealment, if available seek cover. Cover – can stop a bullet and provide a hideout / Concealment – can’t stop a bullet but provides a hideout. Turn off lights and any sources of noise (silence your phone, turn off radios, computers, and televisions)
• Fight/Action – This should be your last resort. Identify items in your space that can be used as weapons (office supplies, furniture, awards, break room appliances). Attempt to incapacitate the shooter by aiming to his knees