Active Shooter Preparation: Best Practices
Active shooter incidents are not confined to schools and colleges; they frequently occur in a wide range of public and commercial settings. A stark example is the 2023 shooting at a Walmart in Evansville, Indiana, where a gunman opened fire, highlighting the critical need for preparedness in everyday environments. According to the latest FBI report on active shooter incidents, nearly 50% of these events occur in commercial locations, including grocery stores, malls, parking lots, shipping facilities, and manufacturing sites. These environments are also common workplaces for weights and measures inspectors, who often find themselves in public-facing roles and diverse settings. Other locations impacted by active shooter events include open spaces like highways and streets and government properties.
This underscores the importance of preparing employees—especially those who work off-site or in high-traffic areas—to respond effectively. In the event of a real attack, individuals must make split-second decisions about how to act. Without proper training, they may lack the necessary tools and knowledge to protect themselves and others.
This article explores the Run-Hide-Fight strategy, a widely recommended method by the FBI and U.S. Department of Homeland Security for handling active shooter situations. By tailoring these principles to the specific needs of weights and measures professionals and their unique work environments, organizations can enhance overall safety and readiness.
Understanding the Risks
Between 2000 and 2018, the U.S. experienced a marked increase in active shooter events, with more recent FBI data indicating a continued rise in such incidents. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasizes that these situations evolve rapidly, and preparedness is crucial to mitigating casualties. Recognizing behavioral indicators and reporting potential threats early remain vital strategies for reducing risks, especially for weights and measures inspectors who frequently work independently and must be particularly vigilant in unfamiliar environments.
“Run, Hide, Fight”: Benefits and Limitations
The “Run, Hide, Fight” protocol, endorsed by DHS, provides a basic framework for responding to active shooter situations:
Run: Evacuate if a safe path is available.
Hide: If evacuation is not possible, find a secure hiding place.
Fight: As a last resort, use any means necessary to incapacitate the shooter.
However, critics like Joseph LeDoux argue that this approach does not align with how the human brain processes extreme stress. LeDoux suggests that alternative strategies, such as emphasizing cognitive reappraisal techniques during training, could better address the natural freeze response. Incorporating stress inoculation exercises and scenario-based practice may also help individuals transition more effectively from a state of panic to decisive action. LeDoux’s analysis in The New York Times suggests that panic and impaired decision-making often override logical responses during crises. Similarly, Mike Wood from Police One highlights the importance of training individuals to overcome the natural freeze response.
Practical Preparedness Steps
**Training and Drills: Regular active shooter drills tailored for inspectors can condition them to respond effectively in diverse settings, such as retail stores or manufacturing facilities where they might conduct inspections. Role-playing scenarios can reduce panic and enhance familiarity with evacuation routes and hiding spots.
Secure Workspaces: Amy Rock’s article in Campus Safety underscores the importance of securing doors from the inside. Recent innovations, such as electronic locking systems and bullet-resistant door reinforcements, further enhance workplace security. These technologies, paired with proper training, can significantly delay an intruder and provide crucial time for law enforcement to respond. Ensuring that offices and classrooms are equipped with locking mechanisms can delay the shooter and buy critical time for first responders to arrive.
Effective Communication: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommends leveraging technologies like Text-to-911 to communicate with emergency services discreetly. Ensure that all employees know how to use this tool and understand its limitations.
Behavioral Awareness: Training employees to recognize and report concerning behaviors can prevent incidents before they occur. Scott Taylor’s work on verbal de-escalation techniques offers valuable strategies for addressing conflicts that could escalate into violence.
Emergency Kits: The DHS Active Shooter Pocket Card advises keeping emergency kits, including first aid supplies, flashlights, and communication devices, accessible in workspaces.
Cultivating a Safety-First Culture
Preparation goes beyond protocols; it involves fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes safety, particularly for weights and measures inspectors who navigate varied environments and need to feel supported in recognizing and responding to potential threats. This can include implementing successful programs like regular safety meetings, anonymous reporting systems for potential threats, and team-building exercises that emphasize trust and vigilance. Examples from organizations that have reduced incidents by encouraging active employee participation and offering ongoing safety training illustrate how a proactive approach can make a significant difference. Encourage open communication about concerns and provide access to mental health resources to address underlying issues that may contribute to workplace violence.
By combining awareness, training, and the right resources, weights and measures inspectors can create a safer work environment that ensures they are equipped to handle emergencies in the diverse settings they encounter daily. While no strategy can eliminate all risks, proactive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of tragedy.
For additional resources and guidance, refer to the full reports and articles cited in this post:
Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Active Shooter Incidents Report
Joseph LeDoux’s New York Times article, “'Run, Hide, Fight' Is Not How Our Brains Work”
Amy Rock’s article on Securing Classroom Doors
Mike Wood’s article on Why ‘Move! Escape or Attack’ is superior to ‘Run, Hide, Fight’
Scott Taylor’s article on Verbal De-Escalation Techniques That Actually Work