In the aftermath of the Colorado Springs church shooting, where a volunteer security guard stopped an active shooter with a minimal loss of life, proves the theory that a well placed individual can stop the killings typical in recent church or school shootings. In comparing the results of the Colorado Springs incident to the Virgina Tech Collage incident, the difference by an armed individual is very apparent. Colorado Springs had 2 dead victims – Virgina Tech had 32 victims.
Note: The following is an overview and should not be considered as training.
What is an Active Shooter Situation?
The situation where one or more people are in the process of
causing death or injury or posing an immediate danger thereof
- Not a hostage situation
- Not a stand off
- Not a barricaded perpetrator
- But it can transition to one of these
What’s different about it?
- Danger is immediate
- Cannot wait for Police or SWAT
- Must act now to save lives
- A “come as you are” affair for responders
- Weapons, equipment, skills, mindset, physical condition
You have less than a minute to act to reduce the loss of life.
Most active shooters commit suicide when confronted by authorities.
You’re it! This is what you are here for!
Rapid Deployment response
The Rapid Deployment (R/D) active shooter
response came out of the Columbine school shootings.
- Pre Columbine, post SWAT: establish perimeter and call SWAT
- Post Columbine: neutralize the threat
Active Shooter priority change security duties radically!
Normal officer priorities
- Officer safety
- Hostage/public safety
- Perpetrator apprehension
- Perpetrator safety
Active shooter officer priorities
- Neutralize perpetrator
- Hostage/public safety
- Officer safety
- Perpetrator safety