Active Shooter Preparedness

1. Active Shooter Preparedness Corporal Brian C. Bossio City of Stuart Police Department Community Relations Unit 772-288-5339 Bbossio@ci.stuart.fl.us

2. Topics Covered • What is an Active Shooter? • Run, Hide, Fight Theory • Law Enforcement Response • Implementation of an Emergency Action Plan

3. What is an Active Shooter? • An Active Shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. • Active Shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. • The shooter is usually acting out of frustration and rage and is attempting to correct a perceived wrong against them.

4. Active Shooter • Can it really happen here? • YES! It can happen ANYWHERE you are. • Awareness is key! • Always be aware of your surroundings. We know it can happen and it HAS happened. • Train, Train, Train! • Repetition is key! Train on the elements you have learned today.

5. Active Shooter Incidents • Where have we seen active shooter incidents? • Schools; Columbine (1999), Virginia Tech (2007), Amish School House (2006), Sandy Hook (2012). • Military and Federal Government properties; Fort Hood (2009); Post Offices (starting in 1983), public gatherings (Rep. Gifford 2011), Federal Courthouses. • Local and State Government; School Board meeting (Panama City, FL 2010), local Government Courthouses. • Community; Grocery stores, McDonalds, Shopping Malls

6. Statistics • Statistics are taken from review of 100 active shooter incidents that: • 98% of offenders acted alone • 90% commit suicide, usually on site • 80% used long guns (rifles, shotgun) • 75% bring multiple weapons to the scene, usually with hundreds of rounds of ammunition

7. Statistics Continued • Shooter is typically “preoccupied with a high body count plan, trying to complete it before law enforcement arrives.” • More and more are starting to wear body armor • They almost never take hostages and do not negotiate. • They are dynamic and quick, finishing their task, on average, 8 minutes

8. What to do During an Active Shooter? • Always be aware of your environment and surroundings. • In any location, take note of the 2 nearest exits in the facility you are in. • Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. • Remember, clients and customers are likely to follow the lead of employees and managers during an active shooter situation.

9. RUN, HIDE, FIGHT • RUN: If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow • Leave belongings behind – Help others escape, if possible. • Prevent others from entering an area where the shooter may be • Call 911 when you are safe and give the dispatcher the active shooters location, description, how many shooters and best description of weapons being used. • DO NOT PULL THE FIRE ALARM

10. HIDE • HIDE: If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the shooter is less likely to find you. • Your hiding place should be: • Out of the shooters view • Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction • Locked office door, filing cabinet, tables) • Prevent a shooter from entering your hiding place: • Lock the door • Blockade the door with heavy furniture • Door stoppers, belts

11. HIDE Continued • Always LOCK the office door • Silence your cell phone, office phone, pagers • Turn off any source of noise and lights • Remain QUIET! • Create the sense that no one is in the room • Dial 911 if possible, if you can’t speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen. • ** A shooter may try to entice entrance into a secure room by asking for help **

12. FIGHT • FIGHT: As a last resort, and ONLY when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter. • What should you do? • Act aggressive as possible against him or her • Throw items and improvise weapons • Yell! • COMMIT TO YOUR ACTIONS • Name some office items to use as weapons?

13. Law Enforcement Response • Law enforcements purpose is to eliminate the threat as soon as possible. They will proceed to the area in which the shots were last heard. • What should you expect from law enforcement? • LEO may wear regular patrol uniforms, external vests, plain clothes, tactical clothing. • Will be armed with rifles, shot guns and hand guns • LEO will not stop to assist the injured or deceased. Allow them to stop the threat. • Follow all commands and keep hands visible at all times.

14. Law Enforcement Response • How to React when Law Enforcement Arrives: • Remain calm and follow the LEO’s instructions • Put down any and ALL items in your hands • Avoid making quick movements towards LEO’s, such as holding on to them for safety • Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling • DO NOT stop to ask LEO’s for help or direction when evacuating, just proceed in the direction from which the LEO’s are entering the premise.

15. Implementing an EAP • Implementing an Emergency Action Plan • Create an Emergency Action Plan and conduct training exercises. Together, the EAP and training will prepare your staff to effectively respond and minimize loss of life. • Emergency Action Plans Should Include: • Escape procedures and routes • Contact information for all employees • An emergency notification system • Individuals at remote locations within premises • Local law enforcement

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