“Moving Beyond LOCKDOWN” Active Killer/Violent Intruder

Response Training

January 12, 2016

DISCLAIMER

• Be prepared to change the way you think about some things…

• Think outside the box…. - Think like a potential target, not like a faculty/staff member, administrator, etc.

• You need to:

– Understand that: • Command, Control, and Convenience are not the first priority

– SURVIVAL, not ACCOUNTABILITY, has to be priority

This will be a frank discussion about survival,

some material may be graphic (my apologies up front) …

WHY WE’RE HERE

• To empower you to make decisions based on real-time information to increase survivability.

• To enable you to make a DECISION. Making good split second decisions could prevent you from being injured and may save your life and the lives of others.

THE THREAT • In North America, how many students have been killed by a fire

while at school in the past fifty years?

THE THREAT • In North America, how many students have been killed by a fire

while at school in the past fifty years? • 0 casualties

– Dec 1st, 1958 • Our Lady of the Angels Catholic School in Chicago, Illinois • 92 children & 3 Nuns were killed

THE THREAT • In North America, how many students have been killed by a fire

while at school in the past fifty years? • 0 casualties

– Dec 1st, 1958 • Our Lady of the Angels Catholic School in Chicago, Illinois • 92 children & 3 Nuns were killed

• In North America, how many students have been killed by a tornado while at school in the past fifty years?

THE THREAT • In North America, how many students have been killed by a fire

while at school in the past fifty years? • 0 casualties

– Dec 1st, 1958 • Our Lady of the Angels Catholic School in Chicago, Illinois • 92 children & 3 Nuns were killed

• In North America, how many students have been killed by a tornado while at school in the past fifty years?

• 34 casualties in 6 occurrences involving casualties – April 21, 1967

• 13 were killed at Belvidere High School in Belvidere, Illinois

– March 1, 2007 • 8 were killed at Enterprise High School in Enterprise, Alabama

– May 20, 2013 • 7 were killed at Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore, Oklahoma

THE THREAT

• In North America, how many students have been killed by a violent intruder event at school in the past fifty years?

THE THREAT • In North America, how many students have been

killed by a violent intruder event at school in the past fifty years?

• 379 casualties in 230 shootings at a school – August 1st, 1966

• 16 killed at University of Texas in Austin, TX

– April 20th, 1999 • 15 killed at Columbine High School in Littletown, CO

– April 16, 2007 • 33 killed at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA

– December 14, 2012 • 27 killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT

HISTORY

April 20, 1999

• Columbine High School

– 12 students and one teacher killed

– 24 other students were wounded

Alert

Lockdown

It was how they were trained but it didn’t fit the situation

What has been the “worst” active shooter case at a school in America, based on “body count”?

Virginia Tech

Every second counts! One person was shot approximately every 10 second

An Active Shooter event lasts on average ~

4-8 minutes

Time for Law Enforcement to arrive on average ~

5-8 minutes

Virginia Tech had the fastest response time ever for an active shooter event.

What has been the “worst” active shooter case at a school in America, based on “body count”?

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED? • Traditional lockdown has failed. • 86% of the time, it takes an act of violence to stop violence! • School shootings are rarely impulsive, events are pre-planned. • Pre-incident indicators existed but were unreported. • There is no profile for an active killer – different ethnicities, rich,

poor, educated, uneducated, popular, loners, religious, atheist…. only exception is >90% of active killers are male.

• The most common reason for a school massacre is revenge, along with fame and recognition.

• The deadliest hour of the day is the first hour. Other dangerous times include when students are gathered in large numbers – think cafeteria, assemblies, sporting events.

• Incidents occur in a target rich environment where retribution is the goal.

• Violent Intruder events can happen anywhere! – We can’t predict when or where, so we must prepare….

PREPARATION • We need to ask ourselves “What if…”

questions

• Preparation, training, and practice are crucial

• They have a plan, so should you!

• Traditional response to a violent incident at a school is LOCKDOWN. – Is one tool in the toolbox –best practice?

• Would you stop, drop and roll in the middle of an earthquake?

POTENTIAL VIOLENT BEHAVIOR INDICATORS (From VT Panel)

• Violent fantasy content • Anger/Depression problems • Fascination with weapons • Boasting and practicing combat

proficiency • Loner • Suicide ideation • Homicidal ideation • Stalking • Non-compliance and disciplinary

problems • Imitation of other murders • Interest in previous shooting

situations • Victim/martyr self-concept

• Strangeness and aberrant behavior • Paranoia • Violence and cruelty • Inappropriate affect • Acting out • Police contact • Mental health history related to

dangerousness • Expressionless face • Unusual interest in

police/military/terrorism activities and materials

• Use of alcohol/drugs • Violence in

media/games/movies/music

If potential violent indicators exist, take action and watch for triggers. (School suspension/expulsion, an arrest, a dispute, breakup with

boy/girlfriend, bullying incident, etc.)

How to Report • Report to supervisor, Administration, Campus

Security, Student Life…someone!

• Student of Concern Report (anonymous) – Concerns may include possible dangerousness to

self or others, mental health issues, alcohol and drugs, relationship problems, etc. • Concern may be regarding an employee, a student,

family members or friends, other members of the community.

• Safety Notification on Campus Security/Public Safety Website

ACTIVE KILLER MYTHS…

• That he/she doesn’t fit the profile of an Active Shooter… • They just snapped-these crimes are planned well in

advance… • No one knew – over 80% of active shooters told at least

one person… • They never hurt or threatened anyone before… • They are crazy – less than 10% of these shooters are

mentally ill… • That it will not happen here- can happen anywhere… • That police will respond in time to prevent carnage…. • And the last one is….

• That you can do nothing against an armed intruder……

YES YOU CAN! There are never any guarantees but here is a

simple plan to give you a fighting chance…

A.L.I.C.E. Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate

Utilizing Infrastructure, Technology, and Human Action to

Increase Survival Chances

A.L.I.C.E. is not sequential steps, it is a set of general recommendations which provides options for you and

your survival.

A.L.I.C.E. is common sense, just not common knowledge

This program has one primary focus: SURVIVAL of those who find themselves under attack.

ALERT

The way you learn about the threat, and the way you alert others

How will you be first alerted when a

Violent Intruder Event begins?

Where will you be?

What will you see? Hear?

RECEIVING AN ALERT

• You may hear screams

• You may hear gun shots or loud noises

• Someone may tell you

• You may see the shooter or people running

• You may hear about it by a telephone call, text, e-mail, intercom, or some other form of communication.

– E.R.I.S., BlackBoard Connect, Alertus

ALERTING OTHERS

• Dial 911 immediately, give specific details – Brief Description – Date, Time, and Location – Physical Identifiers of Suspect(s) – Information of where people involved may have gone – Number or type of weapons involved – Stay on the line

• Tell others around you • Suggest that they get to a safe place • Provide information, don’t issue commands

– Information is the key to good decisions – Information should flow in all directions

• Share what you will learn today with them and be ready to take action

LOCKDOWN • What does this word mean to you?

• What actions will you take in your classroom or work

area?

LOCKDOWN

– Lock the door

– Turn off the lights

– Cover the windows

– Close blinds

– Barricade the doorway

– Silence cell phones

– Hide in the corner quietly

• Lockdown only bases your survival on the inability of the bad guys to get to you before the police so.

• What does this word mean to you?

• What actions will you take in your classroom or work area?

LOCKDOWN • Excellent starting point, but consider your

location to that of the incident – evacuate if it is safe to do so.

• A.L.I.C.E. supports an enhanced lockdown if that is your safest option.

• LOCK THE DOOR (If possible) – Remember though…

• It takes more time to lock the doors than it does to break into them.

• Disable any door mechanisms (hydraulic assists, etc.)

BARRICADE The idea is to create a stronghold that nobody can breach…

BECOME A HARDER TARGET!

• Place tables, chairs, furniture or anything heavy against the door opening.

• Cover windows if you can quickly. • If door opens outward, use what you have to secure it. • After barricading the door…. MOVE QUICKLY… Get to a

place away from the door, stay out of sight of any windows & silence phones.

• Once Lockdown is in effect no one should be allowed into a secure room under any circumstances. Only open your locked door for uniformed police personnel.

BARRICADE

BARRICADE

WHAT’S NEXT? • After barricading the door…. GET READY! • Gather things you can use as weapons (books, backpacks, computers,

purses, keys, chairs, desk, scissors, fire extinguisher, anything else • Find alternative exits • HAVE A PLAN if..

– The aggressor is determined to come in your area. – The aggressor starts shooting into the door. – The aggressor climbs over the barricade items

• IS there an alternative way out?

• Don’t wait until he is in the room to get ready • He has a plan, you should also • You need to be ready to make a decision and take action quickly!

– Your actions should be based on your assessment of the situation • HIDE

– If you believe entry will be hard and your safest option is to stay or if police are arriving

• EVACUATE – Alternate door or windows available

• COUNTER the attack (more to come)

INFORM Real time information gives you the ability to make decisions

based on current happenings for the event. Real-time information should be provided by all means

possible. Use this information to make decisions as to the best options

for survival. Be flexible because the situation will be dynamic and fluid

Updated Information = Better Response Updated Information will be provided as possible through

E.R.I.S., BlackBoard Connect, and Alertus

Now let’s think back to the 9-11 tragedy….

REAL TIME INFORMATION What do American Airlines Flight 11, United

Airlines Flight 175 and American Airlines Flight 77 have in common?

REAL TIME INFORMATION What do American Airlines Flight 11, United

Airlines Flight 175 and American Airlines Flight 77 have in common?

All were hijacked and crashed into intended targets on September 11th, 2001.

United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, what changed for Flight 93?

REAL TIME INFORMATION What do American Airlines Flight 11, United

Airlines Flight 175 and American Airlines Flight 77 have in common?

All were hijacked and crashed into intended targets on September 11th, 2001.

United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, what changed for Flight 93?

Information

COUNTER • REMEMBER:

– You are not required to do ANYTHING.

– You SHOULD NOT leave a safe place to go and take matters into your own hands. Leave that job to the police.

– You should ONLY consider the COUNTER suggestion if you are in immediate danger and have no other option. Lockdown or Evacuate are always better options if available.

COUNTER Are you thinking to yourself…

• Do you mean you want me to throw things at a person with a

gun?

• What if I am not an intended target?

• Maybe they just want hostages!?

• Violent Intruder Goals – Notoriety – Low Resistance – Wants Control – Body Count

COUNTER • If you are unable to escape and are in a secure-for-now location

what will you do if the intruder is able to enter? – It’s decision time:

• EVACUATE, or • COUNTER the attack only as the last resort • REMEMBER, there are strength in numbers.

• Keep away and/or create distance from the intruder if at all possible • Have a plan and act with physical aggression • Communicate with others in your area • Improvise weapons and commit to your actions! • Distraction/Disruption techniques

– O.O.D.A. Loop

• Swarm technique – Attack

We want to be hard targets, not sheep. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoVjGuSzw0A&feature=youtu.be

HARD TARGETS Who gives these intruders the advantage?

We Do! Static Targets offer little to NO resistance

Shooters Police

Skill Level Low High

Police: Intruder:

20% Hit Rate 50%+

Engage in acts that makes the event dynamic & requires more skill: • Noise

• Movement

• Distance

• Distractions

O.O.D.A. LOOP • OBSERVE

– See/Hear/Smell/Feel what is happening

• ORIENT – Interpret what you have observed

• DECIDE – Decide what to do

• ACT – Do it

Every action requires this.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Disrupting the O.O.D.A. Loop may not be enough

You may have to take back control

You have to COMMIT to the following actions Create Chaos Shout, Yell, Scream Throw Things Move, Move, Move Create Barriers Divert Attention

ATTACK!!!!!!!!

ATTACK OPTION

You Can Do This –You Must Do This

Remember –he wants to kill as many as possible and will shoot everyone

unless you stop him!

• Act without hesitation – COMMIT to your actions

– You have what it takes to survive

• Act as a team –one unit –one purpose

• Do whatever necessary to live – to SURVIVE

ATTACK OPTION If the intruder is in your room and there is no escape

Yell GUN

Throw items at head

Charge/Swarm

Grab weapon

Take down

Hold for police

SHOOTER RESTRAINED

Maintain control of intruder until police arrive

Do not let him up –

Lay on extremities

Lay on core

Control head & neck

Call 911 and advise

Provide first aid to the injured

Move the weapon away from the intruder and secure it safely…

Do not pick up the weapon… Unless possibly…

MULTIPLE INTRUDERS

Only 2% of Violent Intruder events have been by more than one person.

EVACUATE

• The goal of evacuation during a violent intruder situation is to minimize the number of potential victims in the crisis zone.

• Those who are able should leave the area based on the information they have and the ability to do so as safely as possible. – Evacuate whether others agree to or not. – Leave your belongings behind – Help others when possible – Prevent others from entering the area.

• Remain aware of your surroundings. • There is no guarantee the police will reach you before the suspect

does, so put distance between yourself and the bad guy.

EVACUATION

• Window Escape Option: – Open or break window

• How will you break out a window? – What will you use?

– Where will you hit the window?

– Evaluate the risk • Will the fall kill or severely injure you?

– Surface / concrete / grass / shrubs

– Hang from the ledge to limit fall

– Use items to limit the fall; i.e., belts or clothing

USE CARS FOR COVER NOT ESCAPE

When faced with Danger, You Must DO Something.

"In a moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The next best thing is the

wrong thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.”

Theodore Roosevelt

LAW ENFORCEMENT What to expect… Entry may be dynamic or silent

May point guns at you

May yell at you

May whisper to you

May tell you to lie on floor

May tell you to run

May handcuff you

May ask you questions

Do Not…. Run at officers

Point or have items in your hands

Yell at officers

Do ANYTHING that could be reasonably perceived as a threat

Do Show them empty hands

Follow instructions quickly

Answer their questions

Tell them where the intruder is

Tell them where the weapon is

WHEN IT HAPPENS…

• “In a moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The next best thing is the wrong thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.” – Theodore Roosevelt

QUESTIONS