Active Shooter Training and Practice

 

The "Run, Hide, Fight" active shooter response is a widely recognized approach for dealing with an active shooter situation. While it is important to note that each situation may require a different response based on the circumstances, here are some alternative strategies that individuals or organizations can consider:

Avoid, Deny, Defend: This is a modification of the "Run, Hide, Fight" approach that focuses on three primary actions:

Avoid: Encourage individuals to escape the danger zone and avoid encountering the shooter.

Deny: Create barriers and secure your location to deny the shooter access. Lock doors, barricade entry points, and silence phones.

Defend: If confronted by the shooter and escape is not possible, individuals are encouraged to act collectively to overwhelm and incapacitate the shooter using improvised weapons or any available means.

Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate (ALICE): The ALICE protocol offers a more dynamic response and includes the following elements:

Alert: Quickly notify individuals in the vicinity of the active shooter threat.

Lockdown: Secure the area by barricading entry points and using available means to create distance and barriers between potential victims and the shooter.

Inform: Provide real-time information about the shooter's location and movements, enabling individuals to make informed decisions.

Counter: As a last resort and when confronted by the shooter, individuals are trained to create distractions, disrupt the shooter's plans, and act collectively to incapacitate the attacker.

Evacuate: If it is safe to do so, individuals are encouraged to evacuate the premises.

Secure, Preserve, Evacuate, Evaluate, Reunite (SPEER): This approach emphasizes the following steps:

Secure: Ensure immediate safety by creating barriers and fortifying your location.

Preserve: Take measures to preserve your life and the lives of others. Remain calm and be prepared to defend yourself if necessary.

Evacuate: If possible, evacuate the area and move to a safe location away from the threat.

Evaluate: Assess the situation and provide accurate information to emergency responders to aid their response.

Reunite: Establish a designated area for individuals to reunite with loved ones after the incident.

It is essential for individuals and organizations to undergo active shooter training programs that are specific to their needs and context. Consult with local law enforcement agencies or security professionals to determine the most appropriate response plan for your situation.

How often should practice these drills?

The frequency of active shooter drills or training exercises can vary depending on various factors, including the type of organization, the level of risk, and local regulations. However, it is generally recommended to conduct drills on a regular basis to ensure preparedness and reinforce the response protocols. Here are some general guidelines:

Follow local regulations and recommendations: Check with local authorities, law enforcement agencies, or workplace safety guidelines to determine any specific requirements or recommendations for active shooter drills.

Establish a schedule: Develop a schedule for conducting active shooter drills throughout the year. The frequency can depend on factors such as the size of the organization, the nature of the work environment, and the level of risk. Quarterly drills are often considered a reasonable frequency, but higher-risk environments may require more frequent drills.

Consider different scenarios: While active shooter situations are a primary concern, it is also important to practice drills for other emergencies like fires, natural disasters, or medical emergencies. Integrating active shooter scenarios into existing emergency drills can help ensure a comprehensive approach to preparedness.

Evaluate and learn from each drill: After each drill, evaluate its effectiveness and identify areas that need improvement. This can involve gathering feedback from participants, assessing response times, and identifying any communication or procedural issues. Use these insights to make necessary adjustments to your emergency response plans.

Train new employees and refresh existing employees: Conduct active shooter training for new employees as part of their onboarding process. Additionally, periodically refresh the training for existing employees to keep their knowledge and skills up to date.

Involve local law enforcement or security professionals: Consider collaborating with local law enforcement agencies or security professionals who can provide guidance, expertise, or even participate in the drills themselves. Their input can help refine response strategies and address any potential vulnerabilities.

Remember that preparedness is an ongoing process, and regular drills help to maintain readiness and familiarize individuals with the appropriate response actions. It is crucial to adapt the frequency of drills to the specific needs and risks of your organization while complying with any relevant regulations or guidelines.