Active Shooter Incidents

An active shooter incident is a form of workplace violence that has increased at an alarming rate. From the year 2000 through 2013 there have been a 6.4% increase in annual shooting in commercial environments from 2000 to 2007 and an 11% increase of active shooter incidents form the years of 2008 through 2013 (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2014). There are many factors that contribute to active shooter incidents, including everyday home and work stresses, unemployment, substance addiction and major stresses (e.g. death of a loved one). It is now more important than ever that companies work together with employees when it comes to agreeing on proper preventative measures and procedures in the response to workplace violence.

Homicides due to active shooter incidents are caused by emotional abuse, stalking, threats and more commonly termination of employment. Ways of combating this issue effectively will be by implementing policies and procedures such as buddy systems and prevention programs are likely to be effective.

Preventing workplace violence such as active shooter incidents can be a challenge because for the most part these

Although it is difficult to estimate the economic cost of an active shooter incident it is definitely going to be substantial. The effects of workplace violence extend beyond the isolated incident and the victim. The effects can damage the sense of security in the workplace as well as the trust of that community. With that being said when an active shooter incident takes place everyone in that workplace becomes involved and everyone should be involved in the efforts to preventing these incidents from happening. The only way to involve the community (employees, employers, first responders, etc.) in preventing these crimes from happening or becoming uncontrollable is to have effective policies and procedures in place and provide proper training to all who may be