Active Shooter Awareness

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

-Ben Franklin

20022003

20042005

20062007

20082009

20102011

20120

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Number of Incidents

3

15

6 710

17 1618

1417

31

ANNUAL TOTALS OF ACTIVE SHOOTER INCIDENTS (United States)

Active Shooter Data

Tragedy after tragedy has occurred involving mass shootings of innocents. We hope that by having an understanding of what has led us to today will better prepare you and your loved ones.

Why Are We Presenting on This Topic?

Objectives

Define “active shooter”

Understand measures you can employ to protect yourself during a violent incident

Anticipate actions of responding law enforcement personnel

Know what you can do to train and prepare

Who is the Active Shooter?

Definition

An Active Shooter is an armed person who has used deadly physical force on other persons and continues to do so while having unrestricted access to additional victims.

Washington, D.C. LAX, CA Aurora, CO Oak Creek, WI Newtown, CT Tucson, AZ

Recent Events – U.S.

There is no one “profile” of an active shooter.

Active Shooter

Demographics of an Active Shooter:• Male (97%)

• Ages (12-88)

• Religion

• Education

• Socio-economic

Many offenders who engage in targeted violence may display certain behaviors during pre-attack planning. These predatory behaviors may be observable to persons familiar with the offender.

Pre-Attack Indicators

Some of these behaviors may include:

• Development of a personal grievance

• Contextually inappropriate and recent acquisition of

multiple weapons• Contextually inappropriate

and recent escalation in target practice and weapons

training

Pre-Attack Indicators

• Contextually inappropriate and recent interest in explosives and IEDs

• Contextually inappropriate and intense interest or fascination with previous active shootings or

mass attacks• Many offenders experienced a significant real

or perceived personal loss in the weeks and/or months leading up to the attack, such as a

death, breakup, divorce, or loss of a job

Pre-Attack Indicators

• Many active shooters were described as “social isolates,” harbored feelings of

hate or anger, and/or had some reported contact with mental health

professionals• Few had previous arrests for violent

crimes

Pre-Attack Indicators

While motivations for active shooter incidents are difficult to fully determine, some common “triggers” may include:

• Loss of significant relationships• Feelings of humiliation/rejection• Changes in financial status• Major adverse changes to life circumstances• Loss of job• Changes in living arrangements

Active Shooter Data

• Statistical Breakdown of Active Shooter events:

57% of the attackers were insiders (known) 63% of the attackers broadcasted a perceived

injustice 71% of the victims initially targeted were the

focus of the perceived injustice 74% of the attackers entered through the

main entrance

*per John Nicoletti, Ph.D. (Nicoletti-Flater Associates) as provided to PERF 4/22/13

Active Shooter Data

Attack Data

• 37% of the attacks were over in under 5 minutes

* 49% of the attackers committed suicide

* 17% of the attackers were killed

* 34% of the attackers were arrested

• 63% of the attacks were over in under 15 minutes

• Average attacks last approximately 12 minutes

Active Shooter Statistics

49% of the time it ends prior to police arrival

40% of the time civilians at the scene stopped the attack

10% of the time attackers walk away

• 51% of the attacks occurred in the workplace• 17% of the attacks occurred in a school• 17% of the attacks occurred in a public place• 6% of the attacks occurred in a religious

establishment• 9% of the attacks occurred either in the victim’s or

the offender’s residence

*per John Nicoletti, Ph.D. (Nicoletti-Flater Associates) as provided to PERF 4/22/13

Active Shooter Data

1993:1,068 workplace homicides

2011:518 workplace homicides

50+% decrease

U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), March 2012

Workplace Homicides

• For male victim: 4% relative/personal acquaintance

• For female victim: 28% relative/personal acquaintance

• Co-workers & former co-workers: 12%

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, July 2010

Workplace Homicides: The Offender

• Workplace: 80%• Campus: 54%

• 36% used more than one

PROTECTING YOURSELF

Danger Levels

Immediate Danger You can either see the shooter directly or

seethe effects of the gunfire

Risk of Danger You can hear shooting but are not in theimmediate vicinity to see the effects of thegunfire or the shooter

Immediate DangerEscape (“RUN”)

Seek cover (“HIDE”)

As a last resort, take action (“FIGHT”)

As soon as possible – call 911

Law enforcement officials need accurate and timely information to respond effectively and neutralize threat

What to Report Shooter(s)

Specific location Number or assailants Race and gender Clothing color and style Physical features-height, weight, facial hair, glasses Type of weapons (rifle/shotgun, handgun) Backpack Identification/name of the shooter(s) (If known) Violent actions other than gunshots – Explosions, fires, etc. Other pertinent information – doors chained, location of

injured personnel, etc.

Risk of Danger

- Escape - Secure location

- 911

- Monitor ingress / egress routes

- Make the area look unoccupied

- Do not move until released by authorities

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT

Change in Mindset“Normal” response to hostage situation, bomb threat, hijacking, etc.

Wait for back-up/follow-on forces Establish cordon Stop and treat wounded Enter building and use force as a last

resort

Active Shooter – sole focus is to find and neutralize the shooter!

Initial Police Response Immediately enter the facility/area

alone or in small teams – will not wait for back-up

Will not stop to treat wounded or assist with evacuation

Follow-on forces establish cordon, crowd control, staging areas

Police maintain control of the tactical incident until threat is neutralized

Your Role Stay in your secure area, and stay calm

Convey to others that help is on the way

Provide self aid and buddy care

Monitor the situation via computer, TV, radio

Be prepared to evacuation when ordered

Evacuation Safety corridors will be established, this

may be time consuming

Stay in your secure area until instructed otherwise

Remain calm and follow instructions Keep your hands where they can be seen Avoid quick movements

You may be searched

You will be escorted out of the building by police

Post-Evacuation

You will be taken to a holding area for medical care, interviewing, counseling, etc.

The entire area will be treated as a crime scene.

You will not be permitted to retrieve items or access the crime scene.

TRAINING AND PREPARATION

Trained vs. Untrained Response

• First response is the same for both groups

• Further reactions differ markedly

Trained Untrained

Startle and Fear Startle and Fear

Feel Anxious Panic

Recall what they have learned Fall into disbelief

Prepare to act as rehearsed Lost in denial

Commit to action Descend into helplessness

Emergency Action Plan Elements

Emergency escape procedures and route assignments (i.e., floor plans, safe areas)

Contact information

Responsibilities of individuals during an incident

Local area hospital information (i.e., name, telephone number, distance and location)

Emergency notification systems to alert personnel located at remote locations throughout the premises

Considerations for special needs personnel

Exercise your plan frequently!

Exercises The most effective way to prepare for an Active Shooter

situation is to exercise

Training should include, but not be limited to: Recognizing the sound of gunshots Reacting quickly when gunshots are heard and/or when a

shooting is witnessed Evacuating the area Seeking cover Calling 911 Reacting when law enforcement arrives Adopting the survival mindset during times of crisis Acting against the shooter as a last resort

Summary

Define “active shooter”

Understand measures you can employ to protect yourself during a violent incident

Understand actions of responding law enforcement personnel

What you can do to train and prepare

Questions?

SSA Timothy BeamCrisis Management Coordinator

(502) 263-6000