In light of the December 14, 2012 mass shooting incident at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security along with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is providing information on response protocols in the event you become involved in an active shooter incident. The attached informational bulletin [view] produced by the Connecticut Intelligence Center, and the links below include information regarding the description of an active shooter, best practices for coping in an active shooter situation as well as how to respond when law enforcement arrives. Other important points include recognizing the signs of potential workplace violence and providing information to law enforcement or 911. In 2008, Mississippi became the first state to adopt a single active shooter response protocol for every law enforcement officer in the state. The Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) program ensures that all law enforcement officers, regardless of agency or jurisdiction, respond to an active shooter incident using standardized tactics, techniques and procedures. The Mississippi Office of Homeland Security administers the ALERRT program and to date, over 85% of the law enforcement officers in the state have been trained on the ALERRT protocol. For more information about the ALERRT program, please contact the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security at info@homelandsecurity.ms.gov. Additionally, the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security also recommends training and education for non-law enforcement personnel regarding how to react to an active shooter situation in a school or in the workplace. The links below will facilitate access to the resources:

US Department of Homeland Security Training Video: Run Hide Fight - Surviving an Active Shooter [View]

US Department of Homeland Security Booklet: Active Shooter – How to Respond [View]

US Department of Homeland Security Course: Active Shooter – What You Can Do [View]

US Department of Homeland Security Active Shooter Pocket Guide [View]

US Department of Homeland Security Active Shooter Response Poster [View]

US Department of Homeland Security Infrastructure Protection Report Series – Elementary and Secondary Schools [View]

To report suspicious activity to the MS Office of Homeland Security, call 888.472.3367, visit www.homelandsecurity.ms.gov, or click on the NSI icon to the left.

UNCLASSIFIED // FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

MISSISSIPPI HOMELAND SECURITY

INFORMATION BULLETIN

ACTIVE SHOOTER AWARENESS

This information should be considered UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. Further distribution of this document is restricted

to law enforcement and intelligence agencies only, unless prior approval from the Mississippi Analysis and Information Center is

obtained. NO REPORT OR SEGMENT THEREOF MAY BE RELEASED TO ANY MEDIA SOURCES. It contains information that may be

exempt from public release under the Freedom of Information Act (5 USC 552). Any request for disclosure of this document or the

information contained herein should be referred to the Mississippi Analysis & Information Center: (601) 933-7200 or

msaic@dps.ms.gov.

HOW TO RESPONDQUICKLY DETERMINE THE MOST REASONABLE WAY TO PROTECT YOUR OWN LIFE. CUSTOMERS AND CLIENTS ARE LIKELY TO FOLLOW THE LEAD OF EMPLOYEES AND MANAGERS DURING AN ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION.

Contact your building management or human resources department for more information and training on active shooter response in your workplace.

WHEN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER IS IN YOUR VICINITY

HOW TO RESPONDWHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT ARRIVES ON THE SCENE

1. HOW YOU SHOULD REACT WHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT ARRIVES:• Remain calm, and follow officers’ instructions

• Immediately raise hands and spread fingers• Keep hands visible at all times

• Avoid making quick movements toward officers such as attempting to hold on to them for safety

• Avoid pointing, screaming and/or yelling

• Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating, just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises

2. INFORMATION YOU SHOULD PROVIDE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OR 911 OPERATOR:• Location of the active shooter• Number of shooters, if more than one• Physical description of shooter/s

• Number and type of weapons held by the shooter/s

• Number of potential victims at the location

• Increased use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs• Unexplained increase in absenteeism, and/or vague physical complaints• Depression/Withdrawal• Increased severe mood swings, and noticeably unstable or emotional responses• Increasingly talks of problems at home• Increase in unsolicited comments about violence, firearms, and other dangerous weapons and violent crimes

CALL 911 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO

RECOGNIZING SIGNSOF POTENTIAL WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

AN ACTIVE SHOOTER MAY BE A CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEE. ALERT YOUR HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT IF YOU BELIEVE AN EMPLOYEE EXHIBITS POTENTIALLY VIOLENT BEHAVIOR. INDICATORS OF POTENTIALLY VIOLENT BEHAVIOR MAY INCLUDE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Have an escape route and plan in mind

• Leave your belongings behind• Keep your hands visible

• Hide in an area out of the active shooter’s view.

• Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors

• As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger.

• Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter

• Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter

1. EVACUATE 2. HIDE OUT 3. TAKE ACTION

The Connecticut Intelligence Center (CTIC) along with the U.S. Department

of Homeland Security (DHS) is providing this information for awareness of

Active Shooter Incidents and your individual response, should you become

involved in an Active Shooter situation.

Please note: These are individual measures and should not be used in conflict

with established protocols trained to personnel in schools or at their workplace.

PROFILE OF AN ACTIVE SHOOTER

An “Active Shooter” is an individual actively engaging in killing or attempting to kill people in a

confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearm(s) and there is no pattern

or method to their selection of victims.

Active Shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Typically, the immediate

deployment of Law Enforcement is required to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to victims.

Because Active Shooter incidents are often over within 5-15 minutes, before Law Enforcement

arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an

active shooter situation.

HOW TO RESPOND WHEN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER IS IN YOUR VICINITY

Good Practices for Coping with an Active Shooter Situation

1. Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers

a. Situational Awareness / Perceived Threat

2. Take note of nearest Exits in any facility you visit

3. If in an Office or Enclosed Area

a. Shelter in Place

b. Close and Secure doors

4. If in a Hallway

a. Find a Room / Secure doors

5. Last Resort Measures / Enhanced Survival

a. Attempt to engage the shooter / take down

b. Use any measures, at hand weapons, continue to engage until no longer a

threat or shooter is incapacitated

c. Be aware of potential for multiple shooters

6. CALL 911 AT SAFEST AVAILABLE TIME

Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. Remember that customers,

clients, students, etc. will follow the lead of employees, staff, or management during an Active

Shooter situation.

1. EVACUATE

If an escape route is accessible, attempt to evacuate the premises. Be sure to:

a. Have an escape route and plan in mind

b. Evacuate regardless of others decisions to stay or follow

c. Leave belongings behind

d. Assist others escaping, if possible

e. Prevent individuals from entering the area where the active shooter may be,

WARN people

f. Keeps hands visible to Security or Law Enforcement

g. Follow First Responders Instructions, Security, Police, etc.

h. DO NOT attempt to move wounded individuals

i. Call 911 when safe to do so

2. HIDE OUT

If evacuation / escape not possible, find a place to hide where an active shooter is less

likely to find you.

You hiding place should:

a. Be out of the shooter’s line of sight or view

b. Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e. closed and locked door

of office or closet)

c. Not trap you or restrict options for movement

To help prevent an Active Shooter from entering your hiding place:

a. Lock all doors

b. Barricade the door if possible with available items (i.e. heavy furniture, etc.)

If the Active Shooter is within your vicinity

a. Lock the door

b. Silence all cell phones, pagers, radios, or other devices, etc.

c. Turn off sources of noise such as TVs, radios, etc.

d. Conceal yourself behind large objects such as book cases, desks, etc.

e. Remain silent, limit movement which creates noise

3. TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE ACTIVE SHOOTER

Take Last Resort Measures for Survival when facing Imminent Injury or Death. Attempt

to Disrupt and/or Incapacitate the Active Shooter by:

a. Acting aggressively towards the shooter / engaging in physical attack

b. Throwing items or using improvised weapons

c. Yelling

d. Staying committed to your actions. Do not let up until shooter is incapacitated or

disrupted

HOW TO RESPOND WHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT ARRIVES

Arriving Law Enforcement’s first priority is to engage and stop the Active Shooter as soon as

possible. Officers will form up and immediately proceed to engage the Active Shooter, moving

towards the sound of gunfire.

a. Officers will group into teams of four (4) to engage if possible

b. Arriving officers may be from various agencies and have different uniforms,

equipment, and other types of vehicles, some not marked

c. Officers may have various types of weapons, i.e. handguns, shotguns, and assault

rifles

d. Officers may deploy tear gas or pepper spray to control the situation

e. Officers may shout commands and push people down on the ground for their

safety

1. HOW TO REACT WHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT ARRIVES

Your attention to Law Enforcement officers is vital for survival

a. Remain calm, and follow officers’ instructions

b. Put down any handheld items, i.e. bags, backpacks, jackets, etc.

c. Immediately Raise Hands / Spread Fingers

d. Keep hands visible at all times

e. Avoid making quick movements towards officers or grabbing onto them

f. Avoid pointing, screaming, or yelling at officers

g. DO NOT stop and ask officers for directions or help when evacuating, just proceed

in the direction where officers are entering

2. INFORMATION TO PROVIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT OR 911 CALL TAKER

Accurate and relevant information to Law Enforcement is vital for Active Shooter

mitigation and can be provided to on scene Police or 911 Call Takers.

a. Location of the Active Shooter

b. Number of Active Shooters

c. Physical Description of Active Shooter(s)

1. Clothing, Height, Weight, Hair Color, Type of Weapon, Distinguishing

2. Characteristics i.e. mask worn, wearing tactical equipment, etc.

d. Number of weapons and types / explosive type devices in area

e. Number of potential victims at the location

NOTE:

Arriving officers will not stop to help injured persons, their initial

response is to stop the Active Shooter, so be cognizant of this. Expect

Rescue Teams comprised of additional officers and other Emergency

Medical Personnel to follow the initial response officers. The Rescue

Teams will treat and remove any injured persons. They may call upon

able-bodied individuals to assist them in removing the wounded from the

premises.

Once you have reached a safe location or an assembly point, you will

likely be held in that area by Law Enforcement until the situation is under

control and secure and all witnesses have been identified and questioned.

DO NOT leave until released by Law Enforcement Authorities.

Source: DHS, National Retail Federation, Retail Industry Leaders Association, National Tactical Officers Association and

Fairfax County VA Police Dept document: Active Shooter How to Respond, 08 October 2008

An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or

attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area, typically through the use of

firearms.

Contact your building management or human resources department for more

information and training on active shooter response in your workplace.

• Victims are selected at random

• The event is unpredictable and evolves quickly

• Law enforcement is usually required to end an active shooter situation

PROFILEOF AN ACTIVE SHOOTER

CHARACTERISTICSOF AN ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION

COPINGWITH AN ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION

• Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers

• Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit

• If you are in an office, stay there and secure the door

• Attempt to take the active shooter down as a last resort

CALL 911 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO

• Remain calm and follow officers’ instructions

• Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets)

• Immediately raise hands and spread fingers• Keep hands visible at all times

• Avoid quick movements toward officers such as attempting to hold on to them for safety

• Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling

• Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating

• Location of the active shooter• Number of shooters• Physical description of shooters• Number and type of weapons held by shooters• Number of potential victims at the location

HOW TO RESPONDWHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT ARRIVES

INFORMATIONYOU SHOULD PROVIDE TO LAWENFORCEMENT OR 911 OPERATOR

HOW TO RESPOND

• Have an escape route and plan in mind• Leave your belongings behind• Keep your hands visible

• Hide in an area out of the active shooter’s view

• Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors• Silence your cell phone and/or pager

1. EVACUATE

WHEN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER IS IN YOUR VICINITY

2. HIDE OUT

3. TAKE ACTION

• As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger• Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter

• Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter

CALL 911 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Version: September 15, 2011 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Content: May 2006

Elementary and Secondary Schools

Approximately fifty million students attend nearly 100,000

public elementary and secondary schools throughout the

Nation. Elementary and secondary schools are relatively

open-access, limited egress congregation points for children,

and have been successfully targeted by terrorists in the past.

Potential Indicators of Terrorist Activity Terrorists have a wide variety of weapons and tactics

available to achieve their objectives. Specific threats of most

concern to schools include:

Small arms attack

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs)

Vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs)

Arson or incendiary attack

Chemical or biological attack

Terrorist activity indicators are observable anomalies or

incidents that may precede a terrorist attack. Indicators of an

imminent attack requiring immediate action may include the

following:

Persons in crowded areas (e.g., school auditorium,

cafeteria, athletic facilities) wearing unusually bulky

clothing that might conceal suicide explosives or

weapons

Vehicles approaching the school at an unusually high

speed or steering around barriers and traffic controls

Suspicious or illegally parked vehicles on or near school

grounds

Unattended packages (e.g., backpack, briefcase, box)

that may contain explosives. Packages may be left in

open areas or may be hidden in trash receptacles,

lockers, or similar containers.

Evidence of unauthorized access to heating, ventilation,

and air-conditioning (HVAC) areas of a school;

indications of unusual substances near air intakes

Suspicious packages and/or letters received by mail that

might contain explosives or chemical/biological/

radiological agents.

Indicators of potential surveillance by terrorists include:

Persons using or carrying video/camera/observation

equipment in or near the school over an extended period

Persons parking, standing, or loitering in the same area

over a multiple-day period with no reasonable

explanation

Persons questioning school employees off-site about

practices pertaining to the school and its operations

Persons discovered with school maps, photos, or

diagrams with key components or sensitive areas

highlighted

Suspicious personal e-mail, telephone, fax, or postal

mail requests for information about the school or its

operations

A noted pattern of false alarms requiring a response by

law enforcement or emergency services

Threats by telephone, mail, or e-mail and/or increase in

reports of threats from known reliable sources

Common Vulnerabilities The following are key common vulnerabilities of elementary

and secondary schools:

Relatively open access to school grounds and buildings

Limited or no vehicle access controls

Large concentrations of students gathering in open areas

outside school buildings on a regular and readily

observable schedule

Proximity of schools and neighboring facilities,

especially in urban areas

Limited or no inspection of students’ personal articles,

particularly in lower-crime areas

Limited security on school buses

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Version: September 15, 2011 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Content: May 2006

Protective Measures Protective measures include equipment, personnel, and

procedures designed to protect a facility against threats and

to mitigate the effects of an attack. Protective measures for

elementary and secondary schools include:

Planning and Preparedness Designate an employee as security director to

develop, implement, and coordinate all security-

related activities

Conduct security audits on a regular and continuing

basis. Develop a comprehensive security plan and

emergency response plan for the school

Conduct regular exercises of emergency plans

Establish liaison and regular communication with

local law enforcement and emergency responders

Personnel Conduct background checks on all school employees

Incorporate security into employee training programs

Provide security information and training to all

students

Access Control Define the facility perimeter and areas within the

facility that require access control. Maintain building

access points to the minimum needed

Issue photo identification badges to all school

employees and students

Require visitors check in with the front office upon

arrival and departure

Provide visitors with school issued identification

badges when on school grounds.

Positively identify all vehicles and drivers that enter

the school parking lots

Institute a policy restricting other vehicles from

accessing the bus-loading zone

Secure ladders, awnings, and parapets that provide

access to building roofs, HVAC systems, and other

critical equipment

Barriers Install appropriate perimeter barriers and gates.

Maintain clear area at perimeter barriers to enable

continuous monitoring and to inhibit concealment of

people or packages

Establish a clear zone adjacent to buildings. Keep

zone free of vegetation and other obstructions

Install barriers to protect doors and windows from

small arms fire and explosive blast effects

Communication and Notification Install system(s) that provide communication with all

people at the school, including employees, students,

emergency response teams, and visitors

Develop a plan for communicating with parents during emergency situations

Develop a notification protocol that outlines who should be contacted in emergencies.

Develop a procedure for communicating with the public and the media regarding security issues

Monitoring, Surveillance, Inspection Evaluate needs and design a monitoring, surveillance,

and inspection program

Provide visual surveillance capability (e.g., designated

surveillance points, cleared lines of sight)

Install intrusion detection and alarm systems

Deploy personnel assigned to security duty to

regularly inspect sensitive or critical areas

Continuously monitor all people entering and leaving

the facility for suspicious behavior

Continuously monitor all vehicles approaching the

facility for signs of threatening behavior

Infrastructure Interdependencies Ensure that the school has adequate utility service

capacity to meet normal and emergency needs

Ensure that employees are familiar with how to shut

off utility services

Provide adequate physical security for utility services

Cyber Security Develop and implement a security plan for computer

and information systems hardware and software

Maintain a well-trained computer security staff

Incident Response Ensure that an adequate number of emergency

response personnel are on duty and/or on call

Provide training and equipment to emergency

response personnel to enable them to deal with

terrorist-related incidents

Check the status of all emergency response equipment

and supplies on a regular basis

Develop a plan for discharging students following

incident resolution

WARNING

This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (FOUO). It contains

information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom of

Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). It is to be controlled, stored, handled,

transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with Department of

Homeland Security (DHS) policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be

released to the public or other personnel who do not have a valid

“need-to-know” without prior approval of an authorized DHS official.

At a minimum when unattended, this document is to be stored in a

locked container such as a file cabinet, desk drawer, overhead

compartment, credenza or locked area offering sufficient protection

against theft, compromise, inadvertent access and unauthorized disclosure.

For more information about this document contact:

Protective Security Advisor Duty Desk

(IPassessments@dhs.gov or FOBanalysts@dhs.gov)