Active shooter training
[1] Although training is currently optional, businesses and organizations are beginning to face citations due to non-compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines regarding workplace violence.
[3][4] The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) further stresses that civilian training and exercises should include: ‘an understanding of the threats faced and also the risks and options available in active shooter incidents.
[3][5] Their guidelines within certain organizations also extend to building securities and facilities structures, as well as properly implemented active shooter preparation training.
[1] Current active shooter training methods range from books to videos to multi-day on-site courses, but not all fall under OSHA's guidelines or judges approvals.
[6][7][8][9][10] Common ideologies frequently taught are "Run/Hide/Fight" as put forth by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), "Avoid, Deny, Defend" which was developed by the ALERRT center at Texas State University,[11][12] "ALICE" which is an acronym for "Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate"[13] offered by Navigate 360, and "STAAAT" or "Situational Threat Awareness, Assessment, and Action Training" developed by Security Advisors Consulting Group.
[16][17][18] Active shooter response training should not be confused with speech seminars, continuing education courses, or requesting a visit from local law enforcement.
The FBI stresses the importance that training and exercises for citizens include an understanding of the threats faced and also the risks and options available in active shooter incidents.
FBI study results reveal that as of 2013, 45.6% of incidents occurred in areas of commerce, including those open and closed to pedestrian traffic.
[23] After the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, in February 2018, it was suggested training programs could yield strategic information to potential shooters.
[24] The shooter, a former student, may have been familiar with the school's drills and emergency plans regarding active shootings; some alleged that he used the information to increase casualties.
Merrie Najimy, the head of the MTA, said in 2020 that the drills are "scary" and "stressful" for students and that "lockdown is just a narrow and fear-based view of how to address a serious problem.
Some citizens and other professionals express concern that first responders do not have the appropriate credentials to direct an active shooter response training program for civilians.
[1] Broward County Sheriff's Office, for example, also received widespread criticism for their handling of the Stoneman Douglas school shooting as first responders.
For example, video from the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, showed officers waiting in the halls as the active shooter was making his way through the building and harming young students.
[31] The video footage that revealed this to the public sparked outrage amongst the community as people demanded answers as to why law enforcement would allow young children to become victims to such a horrific incident.
In stark contrast, the police response from the Nashville school shooting showed that it’s possible for officers to clear a building, neutralize the threat, and minimize casualties within minutes.
[28] Even OSHA, with their citations, recommendations, and compliance requirements, does not mandate a certain set of prerequisites for active shooter training directors or trainers.
[33] They called for a focus on educator and student safety during trainings and drills, and requested mental health be added to the House Bill 1004.
