Shooters in Schools School District & Law Enforcement Joint Response
Definition of an Active Shooter One or more subjects engaged in a random or systematic shooting spree: with the intent to continuously harm others, as opposed to criminal conduct, such as robbery or hostage taking being their objective.
COMMONALITIES in Shootings Active Shooter incidents are spontaneous, little or no warning. Incidents often occur in a target rich (highly populated) environment. Suspects are often depressed, angry and suicidal. Suspects motive is to punish others for their fragile view of themselves. Negotiation will NOT work. Average age for a school shooter is 14.5 years old
10 minutes or less How much time do we have to react?
Little Time to React Gather all Nearby Students From the Hallway
No Time to Waste Lock the Classroom Door
No Time to Waste Cover the Door Window
No Time to Waste Be Silent Don’t open the Door for anyone Wait for help
Benefits of Lock-In Ultimately will result in less targets for the shooter(s) Reduces confusion for arriving officers Help contain the situation/threat Minimize the risk an unintentional shooting by responding officers
Police Response to School Shooting
Patrol Response to Shooting Incidents Enter the area / building as fast as possible. Sole objective is to neutralize the hostile threat with the least amount of force possible.
What Officers want to know Nature of incident, crimes committed Number / descriptions of suspects Last known suspected location Is the situation ACTIVE (shots firing now) or STATIC?
What Responding Police May Look Like
After Threat is Neutralized Secure the remaining area. Start secondary searches. EVAC or Care of injured. Scene Control & Evidence Control Start Crime scene protocol
Crisis Response Box Aerial Photos of Campus Campus map/ building diagrams Teacher/Employee Roster/ Photos Building Keys Fire Alarm Shut off Procedures Sprinkler Shut off Procedures Power/Utility Shut off Procedures Student yearbook or Photos
Use Common Sense And Trust Your Instincts