The Definition of an Active Shooter One or more subjects who participate in a random or systematic shooting spree, demonstrating their intent to continuously harm others. Their overriding objective appears to be mass murder, rather than other criminal conduct… -National Tactical Officers Association
Don’t Name Them
Law Enforcement’s Primary Goal We will not stop to talk to you. We will not stop to help the wounded. We only have one goal in mind… TO SAVE AS MANY LIVES AS POSSIBLE. We will move directly to the sounds of the gunfire to stop the killing.
Priority of Life INNOCENT VICTIMS/HOSTAGES FIRST RESPONDERS bad guys In an active shooter situation, no consideration is given to property, to the wounded, or to anything else until the situation becomes more stable. Our primary goal is to stop the killing and to save as many lives as possible. 4
What Will Cops Do? Cops are coming hard and fast. We will be armed and armored. We will be in small groups, moving constantly. We will be aggressive and short on conversation. We will be just as excited as those around us, but we are trained to respond. We will not argue. We will not reason with you. We will simply act. We will not politely ask you to move. We may put you on the ground until we know who you are and what your intentions are.
Three Stages of Disaster Response Denial Deliberation Decisive Moment
If Immediate Action Occurs… Fall face down to the floor wherever you are in the room. Cover your head with your hands. Do not resist. Stay calm. Stay quiet.
WHAT TO DO WHEN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER STRIKES NEAR YOU Avoid Deny Defend
What Should You Do? Do not live in denial. It has no survival value. If you hear shots, call 911, or your local emergency number, as soon as possible. Keep your cell phone silent. Leave the line open. Always know where the exits in the building are. Leave your personal items. Don’t let people go towards the shooter. KEEP YOUR HANDS EMPTY AND VISIBLE AT ALL TIMES. If you encounter an officer, don’t try to stop them or to ask for directions/help. They have other things to do. Listen to any law enforcement officer who gives you an order. Don’t move wounded people unless you are trained to do so and it does not further endanger yourself or others. No matter what is occurring, keep as calm as possible. Do not panic for any reason.
FOLLOW YOUR POLICY ON LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES EXACTLY! Recommended Actions FOLLOW YOUR POLICY ON LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES EXACTLY! Move people to a place in the room where they cannot be seen. Hall side, low to the ground, or elsewhere in the room that affords the most concealment. Keep everyone quiet. DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. If you hear shots, call 911, and leave the line open. Disregard all bells and fire drills if sounded during a lockdown. Account for one another as much as you are able. Follow the directions given to you by security officials and law enforcement officers.
Recommended Actions Some good general items of information to remember are: Put down any items you are carrying when you encounter law enforcement. When officers come into a room that you are in, immediately drop to the floor and remain quiet. Do not point, scream, or shout at law enforcement. Be a good witness…when asked, provide the location of the shooter, what he/she is carrying, a physical description, number of victims that you witnessed, and any other pertinent information. Don’t ask for directions or help while evacuating. Engage your leadership for directions on how to respond to an active shooter when you cannot hide or flee. Follow your policy closely. Consider your actions when there are no remaining choices.
Looking Ahead Consider your potential interaction with the media. Defer to your media representative. Consider the media that will inevitably swamp your town. Establish relationships with mental health professionals in your area and state prior to needing their expertise. Remember that your reunification sites should not be co-located with the media. Keep perfect records of employees and document all reunification efforts and successes. Establish relationships with potential reunification sites in your town prior to needing those sites. Once you have established sites, create a list of backup sites.