Active Shooter Awareness

[A.J. Holst]

Attended a seminar earlier this week, presented by KCSO for financial institutions.

Well done as some facts were presented coupled with more practical stuff for anyone in a shooting situation. These are some of my takeaways.

2016 stat: 20 active shooter events, avg 4 killed, 9ish wounded. Way too many, but practically speaking, a robbery is more likely. For me, my comfort level increased as engaging a whacko with a long gun is low. Most of time, pistol distance. The audience thought it was higher, thanks to the media coverage.

Active shooter events over in 3-5 minutes, LEO response 5-7 minutes

New trend is the active shooters are either surrendering or more disturbingly trying to escape. 

In the US, a mass killing is more than 3. Helps for headlines for any act of physical violence.

Pay attention; the presenter specifically called out mobile device immersion. Gives any BG time to close distance, deploy a weapon, etc.

Make eye contact, if it seems hard for the BG to approach inconspicuously, he may go next door or home.

Don't profile, but look for predatory behavior, is the person, who got your Spidey senses tingling, exhibiting signs of pouncing like a lion at the watering hole?

For guys more familiar with hand to hand combat forms, what body language is announced when folks get ready to fight?

Keep an eye out for loiterers in odd places, is it normal for anyone to hang out in this place / at this time.

Know your exits and get out of Dodge. In an active shooter, if you are armed, anticipate a long gun and decide accordingly. Evade and Escape.

Responding LE do not know you are a sheepdog. They want to see EVERYBODY'S empty hands, act accordingly.

Played the video Run, Hide, Fight. 

I prefer Avoid, Deny, Defend.

Bottom line, you have a right to defend yourself 

Edited September 28, 2018 by Gotthegoods

[Ronald_55]

We had one at work a while back...a financial institution...

One sign this Homeland Officer stated was clenching and unclenching fists. It is a sign of anger...obviously. He also said those not used to carrying a weapon tend to unconciously touch it. Either verifying it is still there or securing it as they bend over or such. 

I agree getting away from the situation is the best option.Be aware. That might give you precious seconds to avoid the situation or remove the threat. 

I had already evaluated the exits points in my office area. I am there lots of hours so it is a priority. Make sure to do the same even in a restaurant or such. Often the quickest exit is not the one you came in or even a public exit.