1 rapid response to active shooters in schools and public buildings presenters: tom canta bubba...

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Rapid Response to Active ShootersRapid Response to Active Shootersin Schools and Public Buildingsin Schools and Public Buildings

Presenters: Tom Canta Presenters: Tom Canta

Bubba Jones Bubba Jones

Eddie HelmertEddie Helmert

22©2009 The ALERRT Center at Texas State University of San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System. All rights reserved.

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

NAME:NAME:

AGENCY:AGENCY:

JOB DESCRIPTION:JOB DESCRIPTION:

YEARS EXPERIENCE:YEARS EXPERIENCE:

PRIOR ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING:PRIOR ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING:

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Seminar GoalsSeminar Goals

The student will be familiar with:The student will be familiar with:

– Historical overview of active shooter situationsHistorical overview of active shooter situations– Police lessons learned from school shootingsPolice lessons learned from school shootings– School and Police priorities during an active School and Police priorities during an active

shooter situationshooter situation– Contact /rescue team tactics for immediate Contact /rescue team tactics for immediate

deployment.deployment.

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55

I’m AliveI’m Alive

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Austin Texas August 1, 1966Austin Texas August 1, 1966

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Texas Tower IncidentTexas Tower Incident

First responders outgunned and/or didn’t have First responders outgunned and/or didn’t have the training to respond to an active shooter the training to respond to an active shooter situation. situation. August 1, 1966August 1, 1966Austin TXAustin TXSuspect, Charles WhitmanSuspect, Charles WhitmanKilled 15 people (including an unborn baby)Killed 15 people (including an unborn baby)Wounded 31 (as far away as two blocks)Wounded 31 (as far away as two blocks)Resolved by two police officersResolved by two police officers

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Columbine High SchoolColumbine High SchoolLittleton COLittleton CO

April 20, 1999April 20, 1999

Littleton COLittleton CO

Suspects Harris and Suspects Harris and KleboldKlebold

Killed 13Killed 13

Wounded dozensWounded dozens

Both suspects commit Both suspects commit suicidesuicide

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Does your child go to school here?Does your child go to school here?

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Lesson LearnedLesson Learned

Active shooter incidents are spontaneous.Active shooter incidents are spontaneous.Suspects behavior unpredictable.Suspects behavior unpredictable.Pre-incident signs existed in school Pre-incident signs existed in school incidents.incidents.Incidents occur in a target rich Incidents occur in a target rich environment.environment.A tactical intervention was too late.A tactical intervention was too late.Multi-jurisdictional response issues were Multi-jurisdictional response issues were present.present.

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DefinitionsDefinitions

Active ShooterActive Shooter– Suspect (s) activity is immediately causing death Suspect (s) activity is immediately causing death

and serious bodily injury. The activity is not and serious bodily injury. The activity is not contained and there is immediate risk of death or contained and there is immediate risk of death or serious injury to potential victims.serious injury to potential victims.

Immediate DeploymentImmediate Deployment– The swift and immediate deployment of law The swift and immediate deployment of law

enforcement resources to enforcement resources to on-goingon-going, life , life threatening situations where delayed deployment threatening situations where delayed deployment could otherwise result in death or great bodily could otherwise result in death or great bodily injury to innocent persons.injury to innocent persons.

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DefinitionsDefinitions

Dynamic SituationDynamic Situation– The situation is evolving very rapidly along The situation is evolving very rapidly along

with the suspect’s action. Example, with the suspect’s action. Example, shooting and moving.shooting and moving.

Static SituationStatic Situation– The situation is not evolving or in motion, it The situation is not evolving or in motion, it

suspect actions appear to be contained. suspect actions appear to be contained. Example, suspect is barricaded in a room.Example, suspect is barricaded in a room.

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DefinitionsDefinitions

Time Line of ViolenceTime Line of Violence– The period of time from the suspects first violent The period of time from the suspects first violent

action until his action is stopped or he/she transitions action until his action is stopped or he/she transitions to another activity.to another activity.

Incident TransitionIncident Transition– That point in the incident where the “active That point in the incident where the “active

shooter” stops his/her violent actions and tries shooter” stops his/her violent actions and tries to escape or barricades themselves. to escape or barricades themselves.

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DefinitionsDefinitions

Barricade SuspectBarricade Suspect

Suspect is in a position of advantage, usually Suspect is in a position of advantage, usually barricaded in a room or building.barricaded in a room or building.

Suspect is armed and has displayed violence.Suspect is armed and has displayed violence.

May or may not be holding a hostage (s)May or may not be holding a hostage (s)

There is no indication that the suspect(s) There is no indication that the suspect(s) activity is immediately causing death or activity is immediately causing death or serious bodily injury. The event is not serious bodily injury. The event is not dynamic but rather static. dynamic but rather static.

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Resolution of an “Active Shooter” Resolution of an “Active Shooter” SituationSituation

Most likely by patrol.Most likely by patrol.

Non-traditional response.Non-traditional response.

Minimum number of officers.Minimum number of officers.

Properly equipped.Properly equipped.

Properly trained.Properly trained.

Able to transition to a barricade situation.Able to transition to a barricade situation.

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Police PrioritiesPolice Priorities

Lives of the Hostage (s)Lives of the Hostage (s)

Lives of innocent bystandersLives of innocent bystanders

Lives of police officersLives of police officers

Lives of the suspect (s)Lives of the suspect (s)

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Police Priorities During An “ActivePolice Priorities During An “ActiveShooter” SituationsShooter” Situations

The capture or neutralization of the suspect, as The capture or neutralization of the suspect, as soon as possible.soon as possible.

The lives of those in proximity of the shooter.The lives of those in proximity of the shooter.

The lives and safety of citizens in the area.The lives and safety of citizens in the area.

The safety of police officers.The safety of police officers.

Containment.Containment.

After event investigation and a return to After event investigation and a return to normalcy.normalcy.

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Police First Responder TacticsPolice First Responder Tactics

Position your patrol vehicle to act as cover with Position your patrol vehicle to act as cover with the best possible field of view.the best possible field of view.

Use a target site numbering system consistent Use a target site numbering system consistent with department policy for points of reference.with department policy for points of reference.

Collect and communicate assessment of Collect and communicate assessment of situation clearly and conciselysituation clearly and concisely

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2020

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DEPLOYMENT

Target Site

1

42

3

Building - Side/Opening Building - Side/Opening Designation . . .Designation . . .

n Sides - Clockwise - starting with front as Side 1n Levels - Bottom to topn Openings - left to right

Side 1 - FRONTSide 2

Side 3 Side 4

1 2 34 5

1 2

12

1

Three Elements of ResponseThree Elements of Response

Quick AssessmentQuick Assessment

Communicate Communicate AssessmentAssessment

Quick InterventionQuick Intervention

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Quick AssessmentQuick Assessment

Obtain as much information as possible Obtain as much information as possible en-route the location.en-route the location.

– Suspect actions (static or dynamic), Suspect actions (static or dynamic), location, description, weaponslocation, description, weapons

– Victim injuries and locationVictim injuries and location

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Quick Assessment and CommunicationsQuick Assessment and Communications

Upon arrival position yourself in the best Upon arrival position yourself in the best possible location.possible location.

– Determine if you have an active shooter or Determine if you have an active shooter or possible barricade situation.possible barricade situation.

– Communicate your assessment.Communicate your assessment.

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2828©2009 The ALERRT Center at Texas State University of San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System. All rights reserved.

Beslan School No.1A Case of What’s to Come

Facts:• Beslan, Russia – approx 40,000; poor agricultural/ industrial area•53 hr. siege Sept. 1, 8 am – Sept 3, 1 pm (2004)•1200 hostages including children, men and women•339* dead (mostly children), over 700 wounded

•8 killed taking the school•21 executed•285 killed in gym explosion•15 killed as they fled the building•9 killed during 10- hour firefight to regain the school

•Nearly 300 Russian Special Forces used during assault. 21 were killed during fighting.

•50 assailants; 32 dead, 1 caught alive, 17 escaped

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Beslan School ShootingBeslan School Shooting

Imposing Males were used as “Forced” Imposing Males were used as “Forced” Labor and then ExecutedLabor and then ExecutedTerrorist Used Negotiations to buy time to Terrorist Used Negotiations to buy time to Fortify PositionsFortify PositionsTerrorist used type amphetamine to stay Terrorist used type amphetamine to stay awake/alertawake/alertEntrances and Stairwells “Booby-Trapped”Entrances and Stairwells “Booby-Trapped”Children Used as ShieldsChildren Used as ShieldsPerimeter Security Was Not EstablishedPerimeter Security Was Not Established

3030©2009 The ALERRT Center at Texas State University of San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System. All rights reserved.

OBSESSION videoOBSESSION video

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Immediate Deployment TacticsImmediate Deployment Tactics

Contact-Rescue TeamContact-Rescue Team

ConceptConcept

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Immediate DeploymentImmediate DeploymentDefinition . . . Definition . . .

The swift and immediate deployment of The swift and immediate deployment of law enforcement resources to law enforcement resources to on-goingon-going, , life threatening situations where delayed life threatening situations where delayed deployment could otherwise result in deployment could otherwise result in death or great bodily injury to innocent death or great bodily injury to innocent persons.persons.

When Utilized . . . When Utilized . . .

Stop aggressive, deadly behavior of Stop aggressive, deadly behavior of suspectsuspect

– Suspect(s) actively engaged in causing death or Suspect(s) actively engaged in causing death or great bodily harm.great bodily harm.

e.g., “Active Shooter,” edged weapon assaults, explosives, e.g., “Active Shooter,” edged weapon assaults, explosives, etc.etc.

And . . . And . . . The location is believed to contain multiple victims. e.g., The location is believed to contain multiple victims. e.g., schools, parks, playgrounds, sporting events, day care, schools, parks, playgrounds, sporting events, day care, high-rise structures etc.high-rise structures etc.

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When Utilized . . .When Utilized . . .

Citizen/Officer RescueCitizen/Officer Rescue

– Deadly assault(s) may or may not be on-going.Deadly assault(s) may or may not be on-going.

– Delayed law enforcement action could result in Delayed law enforcement action could result in continued injury to citizens/officers.continued injury to citizens/officers.

– Delayed recovery of victim(s) could result in victim(s)’ Delayed recovery of victim(s) could result in victim(s)’ demisedemise

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Immediate deployment tactics are not a Immediate deployment tactics are not a substitute for conventional response to substitute for conventional response to Barricaded Subjects.Barricaded Subjects.

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How many does it take to make a How many does it take to make a contact team?contact team?

2 man2 man

3 man3 man

4 man4 man

5 man5 man

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Organization of Contact Team Organization of Contact Team

Not etched in stoneNot etched in stone

– Depends on available resourcesDepends on available resources

– Ideally, (3-4) OfficersIdeally, (3-4) Officers

– Rescue Teams should have sufficient Rescue Teams should have sufficient personnel to conduct systematic searches personnel to conduct systematic searches and moved the injured.and moved the injured.

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FormationsFormations

DiamondDiamond

TT

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DiamondDiamond

4040

TT

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Team Member ResponsibilitiesTeam Member Responsibilities

1.1. Point ManPoint ManArmed with shotgun (Slug ammo).Armed with shotgun (Slug ammo).Urban Police RifleUrban Police Rifle

2.2. Team LeaderTeam LeaderDelegates team member responsibilities.Delegates team member responsibilities.Formulates and implements plan.Formulates and implements plan.

3.3. Assistant Team LeaderAssistant Team LeaderCommunicates with responding units.Communicates with responding units.Acts as additional Contact or Rescue Officer.Acts as additional Contact or Rescue Officer.

4.4. Rear Guard-Designated Cover OfficerRear Guard-Designated Cover Officer

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Deployment . . . Deployment . . .

Organize Organize Contact/RescueContact/Rescue teams. teams.

Attempt Attempt diagonaldiagonal deployment and entry. deployment and entry.– Multiple contact and rescue teams.Multiple contact and rescue teams.

Move to location and attempt to stop violenceMove to location and attempt to stop violence

Coordinate 360 degree containment with Coordinate 360 degree containment with other responding units after entry.other responding units after entry.

Transition control to SWAT, if feasibleTransition control to SWAT, if feasible

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Contact Team ConductContact Team Conduct

Priority is to make Priority is to make CONTACTCONTACT withwith the the suspect(s).suspect(s).

– Move with 360 degree coverage (point, flanks, rear).Move with 360 degree coverage (point, flanks, rear).

– Stop deadly behavior.Stop deadly behavior.

– Limit movement of suspect(s).Limit movement of suspect(s).

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Contact TeamContact Team

Will be confronted with chaos, fire alarms, Will be confronted with chaos, fire alarms, sprinklers, screaming kids, injuries and sprinklers, screaming kids, injuries and death.death.

– Continue past victim(s).Continue past victim(s).

– Continue past explosives.Continue past explosives.

– Communicate progress to other responders.Communicate progress to other responders.

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Contact TeamContact Team

Provide preliminary assessment once inside:Provide preliminary assessment once inside:

– Victim(s)’ locations and medical needs.Victim(s)’ locations and medical needs.Prioritize if possible.Prioritize if possible.

– Explosives - type and location.Explosives - type and location.

– Suspect(s)’ description and locationSuspect(s)’ description and location

– Types of weapons (if known).Types of weapons (if known).

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Rescue Team ConductRescue Team Conduct

Priority isPriority is RESCUE & RECOVERYRESCUE & RECOVERY of of victim(s).victim(s).

– Identify suspect(s) location if possible.Identify suspect(s) location if possible.– Enter and/or approach location to locate victim(s).Enter and/or approach location to locate victim(s).– Extract victim to a safe area and notify the Incident Commander.Extract victim to a safe area and notify the Incident Commander.– Notify medical personnel if necessary.Notify medical personnel if necessary.– When multiple victims are present . . .When multiple victims are present . . .– Expand Rescue Team size as needed and emphasize:Expand Rescue Team size as needed and emphasize:

Custody, Control and Accountability of victimsCustody, Control and Accountability of victims

Coordinate actions with the Coordinate actions with the Contact Team LeaderContact Team Leader and and other responding personnel.other responding personnel.

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Victim Located . . . Victim Located . . .

After locating victim, After locating victim, first officer steps over first officer steps over and provides cover.and provides cover.

Cover danger areas.Cover danger areas.

Secure victim and Secure victim and evacuate - evacuate - communicate recovery communicate recovery to Incident Commander.to Incident Commander.

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Contact/Rescue Team MovementContact/Rescue Team Movement

From vehicles to the buildingFrom vehicles to the building

Building entryBuilding entry

Movement to contactMovement to contact– HallsHalls– StairsStairs– Room entry and clearingRoom entry and clearing

Variety of configurationsVariety of configurations– Criss CrossCriss Cross

Contact Rescue Team Movement

Hallways

4 13

2

1. DCO – Designated Cover Officer (Point man)

2. L.C. – Left Cover

3. R.C. – Right Cover

4. R.G. – Right Guard

ROOM ENTRY

Criss-Cross

4 13

24

3

23

2

1

Contact – Rescue Team Movement

Past Open Doors

4 1

3

2 2

1

3

4

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ConsiderationsConsiderations

Losing contact with the suspect Losing contact with the suspect

Suspect contact and apprehensionSuspect contact and apprehension

EvacuationsEvacuations

Use of deadly forceUse of deadly force

Suppressive FireSuppressive Fire

What to expect on entryWhat to expect on entry

Encountering explosive devicesEncountering explosive devices

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Losing ContactLosing Contact

What do you do when the shots and What do you do when the shots and the screaming stops during your entry?the screaming stops during your entry?– Has the suspect committed suicide?Has the suspect committed suicide?– Has he taken hostage and barricaded Has he taken hostage and barricaded

himself?himself?– Has he escaped.Has he escaped.

Have a plan!Have a plan!

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Suspect Contact and ApprehensionSuspect Contact and Apprehension

Primary goalPrimary goal– Stop suspect’s deadly behaviorStop suspect’s deadly behavior– Take suspect into custodyTake suspect into custody

Remain in a position of cover, bring Remain in a position of cover, bring suspect to you.suspect to you.

Give clear and concise orders to suspect.Give clear and concise orders to suspect.

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EvacuationsEvacuations

Evacuations for an active shooter are not like Evacuations for an active shooter are not like a fire drilla fire drill– Move to a safe distance behind coverMove to a safe distance behind cover

Types of evacuationsTypes of evacuations– EscortedEscorted

Police accompany evacuees to safe area.Police accompany evacuees to safe area.

– UnescortedUnescortedPolice direct evacuees to a safe area.Police direct evacuees to a safe area.

When in doubt, have teachers and student When in doubt, have teachers and student secure themselves in a classroom until a secure themselves in a classroom until a police escort can be provided.police escort can be provided.

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Use of Deadly Force . . .Use of Deadly Force . . .

Based on Based on IDOLIDOL (Immediate Defense Of Life). (Immediate Defense Of Life).

INDIVIDUAL OFFICER makes decision.INDIVIDUAL OFFICER makes decision.

Does not require approval from higher authority.Does not require approval from higher authority.

Utilized to stop the threat.Utilized to stop the threat.

The law - The law - “Objectively Reasonable.”“Objectively Reasonable.”

no exception to the law . . . or policy

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What To What To Expect Expect Upon Entry . . .Upon Entry . . .

Noise, confusion, screaming, alarms etc.Noise, confusion, screaming, alarms etc.

Victims hiding, confused and frightened Victims hiding, confused and frightened - not responding to law enforcement - not responding to law enforcement directions.directions.

Carnage.Carnage.

Fire and sprinkler operations.Fire and sprinkler operations.

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Encountering Explosives . . . Encountering Explosives . . .

Identify and report locations.Identify and report locations.

Position an officer for protection.Position an officer for protection.

Don’t move - don’t touch.Don’t move - don’t touch.

Visually inspect for potential detonation.Visually inspect for potential detonation.– Trip wires, timing device burning fuse etc.Trip wires, timing device burning fuse etc.

Move past - continueMove past - continue to locate suspect(s) to locate suspect(s) and/or victim(s).and/or victim(s).

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SWAT Arrival During an Active Shooter SWAT Arrival During an Active Shooter SituationSituation

Coordinate and relinquish responsibility as soon as Coordinate and relinquish responsibility as soon as possible.possible.

Assist with containment responsibilities if necessary.Assist with containment responsibilities if necessary.

Assist with rescue teams if necessary.Assist with rescue teams if necessary.

Act as a “pathfinder” for responding SWAT personnel:Act as a “pathfinder” for responding SWAT personnel:– Direct to last known location of suspect(s)Direct to last known location of suspect(s)– Report location of explosives Report location of explosives – Provide any additional pertinent informationProvide any additional pertinent information

Weaponry, suspect description, etc.Weaponry, suspect description, etc.

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Incident Transition IssuesIncident Transition Issues

Suspect drivenSuspect driven

Is the suspect’s actions causing immediate death Is the suspect’s actions causing immediate death or serious bodily injury?or serious bodily injury?

Is he barricaded alone or does he have hostages?Is he barricaded alone or does he have hostages?

Should there be First Responder negotiations with Should there be First Responder negotiations with the suspect?the suspect?

6161©2009 The ALERRT Center at Texas State University of San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System. All rights reserved.

Patrol Patrol ResponseResponse to a Barricade/Hostage to a Barricade/Hostage SituationSituation

Patrol response: 5 “C’s”Patrol response: 5 “C’s”• CContainontain• CControlontrol• CCommunicateommunicate• CCall SWAT and Negotiatorsall SWAT and Negotiators• CCreate Immediate Entry Planreate Immediate Entry Plan

Set perimeter (s)Set perimeter (s)Prepare for transition to tactical operationsPrepare for transition to tactical operationsGather intelligenceGather intelligenceStart NegotiationsStart Negotiations

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Multi-jurisdictional Response IssuesMulti-jurisdictional Response Issues

No formal agreement between agencies, No formal agreement between agencies, is there liability?is there liability?

Incompatible communications.Incompatible communications.

Critical Incident Management, full Critical Incident Management, full utilization of all resources.utilization of all resources.

Consistent response procedures and Consistent response procedures and tactics.tactics.

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Multi-jurisdictional ResponseMulti-jurisdictional Response

Proactive measures to ensure successful Proactive measures to ensure successful resolution of major violent incident.resolution of major violent incident.– Inter agency meetings with command staffInter agency meetings with command staff– Resolve communications issues*******Resolve communications issues*******– Involve the non-law enforcement Crisis Involve the non-law enforcement Crisis

Manager***** (schools, blding reps)Manager***** (schools, blding reps)– Joint training on immediate deployment tacticsJoint training on immediate deployment tactics– Joint training exercises at critical facility with Joint training exercises at critical facility with

live role players and other stimuli.live role players and other stimuli.