Revisited: Active Shooter Training
Nearly three years ago, after the deadly shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina I wrote an article highlighting the necessity of active shooter training. Needless to say, there have been numerous mass shootings since then - and every time news breaks of another event, we're reminded of how fragile life is and of the fact that gun violence is a constant threat in our society.
If it seems that mass shootings have become more common in recent years, there's some truth to that, depending on who you listen to. If one accepts the FBI definition of three or more people killed, mass shootings have not become more prevalent, though the number of lives lost in these incidents has increased. However, if we consider the definition from the Gun Violence Archive of "four or more shot and/or killed in a single event, at the same general time and location," then mass shootings are a near daily occurrence in America. Indeed, gun violence is a leading cause of death in our country - and people have a greater chance of dying in a mass shooting if they're at work or at school.
The recent school shooting in Florida is yet another reminder that deadly gun violence can occur anywhere, at any time. All the more reason to prepare for the worst. Throughout the United States, churches, schools and businesses are working with police and security consultants to conduct active shooter training for those they seek to protect. Some training programs are designed to educate participants about warning signs and risk factors of potential violence; others focus on the Run-Hide-Fight advice promoted by the Ready Houston program; and some stage realistic scenarios that put trainees through highly volatile situations they may encounter.
Many that have participated in active shooter training believe the instruction is invaluable. While some of the information and scenarios presented in these types of programs may be frightening, a lot of participants walk away with a new perspective about potential gun violence, as well as a sense of empowerment for preventing and surviving an active shooter situation. Many also agree that these types of training programs are essential for raising levels of awareness and enhancing survival skills and preparedness abilities.
The thought of being involved in an active shooting is troubling but even more concerning, especially for law enforcement agencies and security professionals, is the “head in the sand” mentality that some organizations seem to adhere to. Ignoring the growing problem of random acts of gun violence or thinking “it won’t happen here” is tantamount to contributing to the risk factors. Every organization should have emergency response plans based on assessed risks to protect life and property. Within those plans can be incorporated procedures and training for dealing with, and responding to, a hostile intruder or active shooter situation.
While it may be impossible to put an end to all random acts of violence, we can all do something to raise public awareness about the threat. Organization leaders must address the problem and not become complacent once memory of the most recent attack has faded. Individuals are encouraged to raise the issue of active shooter training with employers, church leaders, school administrators, etc., and to educate themselves by doing their own research. There are countless resources available online and through local and federal agencies (including Homeland Security, FEMA and the FBI) that provide active shooter information and training free of charge. There's no doubt that there are differences of opinion when it comes to mass shooting trends and debates about gun control, but there should be no question that training and preparation for a potential active shooter incident is absolutely necessary and may save lives.
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