Active Shooter

Security in the workplace is a very important topic for organizations today. Anyone can experience workplace violence regardless of the type of job they have. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration defines workplace violence as “violence or the threat of violence against workers. It can occur at or outside the workplace and can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide” (“OSHA Fact Sheet”, 2002). According to the National Safety Council, nearly two million American workers will be victims of workplace violence every year (“Is Your Workplace Prone to Violence”, 2016). Organizations have a responsibility to educate and prepare their employees for the likelihood of workplace violence of all types. Workplace

As the security officer for a bank, I am required to receive annual training. One of my most recent trainings was an active shooter training. I have found the information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to be very helpful with how to best prepare for an active shooter event. The DHS defines an active shooter as “an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area” (“Active Shooter: How to Respond”, 2008). In most cases, the active shooter uses a gun and has no pattern or method in choosing his victims. Usually, an active shooter will continue until either they are stopped by law enforcement, commit suicide or are stopped by some other intervention. According to the DHS, the best way to effectively prepare employees for an active shooter situation is to create an Emergency Action Plan and conduct training exercises. To be effective, the Emergency Action Plan should

In conducting training exercises, it is critical for employers to create awareness among their employees of techniques to use if confronted with an active shooter. The DHS encourages the approach of “Run, Hide, Fight” for determining what is the best option in responding to an active shooter.

• Run. If possible, use the safest route to exit the building. Leaving belongings behind and helping others, if possible. Once out, prevent others from entering where the active shooter may be.

• Hide. If escaping is not possible, hide in a safe place (for example, a room with a locking door, thick walls and few or no windows). Turn off cell phone and remain quiet.

• Fight. As a last resort and only if your life is in danger, attempt to fight, disrupt or incapacitate the shooter.

It is advised that employers also conduct active shooter drills. These drills should assist the employee to:

• Recognize the sound of gunshots;

• React quickly when gunshots are heard or witnessed;

• Call 911

• How to react when law enforcement arrives; and

• To adopt the survival mindset during a time of