Active shooter Definition

Historical Context

The concept of an “active shooter” became a critical concern in workplace safety following a notable increase in incidents over the past two decades. In particular, workplaces have become common targets due to their open access and populated environments.

• Statistics: According to the FBI, the U.S. averages approximately 20 active shooter events annually, with many occurring in workplaces. (Source)
• Active shooter preparedness gained national attention after several high-profile incidents, leading organizations to incorporate active shooter training as a key part of their workplace safety protocols.

Examples of Workplace Scenarios

1. Corporate Office
   An employee or outsider enters an office building with a firearm and begins targeting individuals indiscriminately. Staff must shelter in place, barricade themselves, and contact law enforcement while following active shooter protocols.
2. Retail Store
   A customer dispute escalates into an active shooter event. Employees must quickly direct customers to exits or hiding spots, communicate with emergency responders, and avoid confrontation.
3. Healthcare Facility
   A disgruntled visitor becomes hostile, threatening medical staff and patients. Healthcare workers must initiate lockdown procedures, secure patients, and follow communication protocols for emergencies.

These scenarios emphasize the importance of planning, training, and situational awareness in reducing risks and saving lives.

Workplace Active Shooter Statistics and Response

• Critical Data: According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 43% of active shooter events between 2000-2020 occurred in businesses, highlighting the urgent need for workplace safety measures. (Source)
• The American National Standard on Workplace Violence Prevention and Intervention, updated in 2020 by ASIS International, offers comprehensive guidance on active shooter scenarios and preventive strategies. (View Standard)

Understanding these statistics underscores the need for organizations to adopt a structured approach to training and emergency preparedness.

How to Prepare for Active Shooter Situations in the Workplace

Preparing for an active shooter situation involves proactive measures, including:

1. Creating an Emergency Action Plan (EAP): Develop a clear plan that outlines roles, responsibilities, and evacuation routes.
2. Training Employees: Regularly conduct training sessions focused on recognizing risks, reporting suspicious behavior, and responding effectively to active shooter events.
3. Communication Protocols: Establish methods for alerting employees during an emergency and ensure everyone knows how to use them.
4. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Partner with local law enforcement to conduct drills and improve response plans.
5. Physical Security Measures: Install security cameras, badge access systems, and other tools to minimize risks.

Best Practices for Active Shooter Training

• Run, Hide, Fight: Teach employees the Department of Homeland Security’s approach to responding to active shooters.
  • Run: Evacuate if possible and encourage others to follow.
    • Have an escape plan in mind
    • Evacuate even if others don’t
    • Leave your belongings behind
    • Help others escape, if possible
    • Keep your hands visible
    • Follow police officer instructions
    • Don’t try to move wounded people
    • Call 911 when you are safe
  • Hide: If you can’t run, find a place to hide. Your hiding place should:
    • Be out of the active shooter’s view
    • Provide protection if shots are fired
    • Not trap you or restrict your options

    You should also make it harder for the shooter to enter by:

    • Blocking all doors with heavy furniture
    • Locking all doors

    If the active shooter is nearby:

    • Lock the door
    • Silence your cell phone
    • Turn off any sources of noise like radios or TVs
    • Hide behind large items like cabinets or desks
    • Remain quiet
  • Fight: As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, try to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:
    • Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her
    • Throwing items and improvising weapons
    • Yelling
    • Committing to your actions
• Scenario-Based Drills: Conduct regular mock drills to familiarize employees with realistic active shooter situations.
• Recognizing Warning Signs: Train employees to identify behaviors that could escalate into violence, such as verbal threats or erratic actions.
• Post-Incident Support: Provide counseling and debrief sessions to help employees recover from traumatic events.

Resources

Microlesson: Active Shooter in the Workplace

In this microlesson, we outline four key strategies for dealing with an active shooter situation based on recommendations from the Department of Homeland Security.

Course: Workplace Violence Training

This course equips employees with the knowledge to recognize red flags and prevent violent episodes. Learn how to minimize risks and foster a safer workplace environment.

Checklist Download: SB 553 Checklist: Implementing Your Workplace Violence Prevention Program

Ensure your organization is compliant with workplace violence laws by downloading this actionable checklist.

Blog: Leveraging California’s New Workplace Violence Law for Strategic Impact

Rebecca Speer, Workplace Violence Expert, Attorney, and Founder of Speer Associates, shares her practical insights on implementing California’s workplace violence law to enhance workplace safety and ensure compliance.

Video Preview: Addressing Workplace Violence

Workplace violence risk can take many forms, from verbal outbursts to physical threats. Recognizing the warning signs and proactively addressing them is essential to preventing escalation.