A number of tragic shooting incidents in public spaces and work places around the country have heightened the community’s concern and awareness about what steps to take if ever confronted with a similar situation. These incidents have demonstrated that preparedness, alertness, quick action, immediate notification, and rapid response are imperative.

It is important to recognize that past Hostile Intruder/Active Shooter incidents have shown that, in these situations, there is no time, room or intention for negotiation on the part of perpetrators. The perpetrator is there to cause as much injury as possible in the least amount of time possible. In most cases, perpetrators use firearm(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims; these situations are dynamic and evolve rapidly, hence quick action is crucial.

If you find yourself in a Hostile Intruder/Active Shooter situation, how you respond will be dictated by the specific circumstances of the encounter. Try to remain calm and use these guidelines to help you plan a strategy for safety.

If a hostile intruder/active shooter is Outside your building:

1. Get to a room that can be locked; close and lock windows and doors

2. Turn off the lights

3. Try to get everyone down on the floor (so that no one is visible from outside the room)

4. Call 911. The Dispatcher will ask for, at least, the following information:

a. Your name

b. Location of the incident (be as specific as possible)

c. Number of shooters (if known)

d. Identification or description of shooter

e. Number of persons who may be involved

f. Your location

5. Stay in place (calls from unfamiliar voices to come out may be the attacker attempting to lure you)

6. Do not respond to any voice commands until you are sure that they come from a Police Officer, or a Campus Safety & Security Officer

 

If a hostile intruder/active shooter is INSIDE your building:

1. Exit (get out of) the building immediately

2. Notify anyone you may encounter to exit the building immediately

3. Call 911. The Dispatcher will ask for at least the following information:

a. Your name

b. Location of the incident (be as specific as possible)

c. Number of shooters (if known)

d. Identification or description of shooter

e. Number of persons who may be involved

f. Your location

 

If exiting the building is not possible, the following actions are recommended:

1. Go to the nearest room or office

a. If you are locked out of all rooms, seek refuge in the nearest restroom,

lock yourself in a stall and keep quiet

2. Close and lock the door and/or block it (try barricading the door with desks and chairs)

3. Cover the door windows

4. Call 911 (the Dispatcher will gather information from you)

5. Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room (silence cell phones)

6. DO NOT answer the door

7. Stay in place (calls from unfamiliar voices to come out may be the attacker attempting to lure you)

8. Do not respond to any voice commands until you are sure that they come from a Police Officer, or a Campus Safety & Security Officer

 

If a hostile intruder/active shooter Enters your office or classroom:

1. Remain calm

2. Dial 911 (if you can’t speak, leave the line open so the Dispatcher can listen to what’s taking place)

3. Try to escape, but if unable, you must take action to survive!! Make a quick survival decision, either:

a. Try to negotiate with the hostile intruder/active shooter (perhaps not the most effective measure), or

b. Try to hide; bear in mind that being hidden (i.e. behind a wooden door) is not the same as being covered (i.e. behind a steel door), or

c. Play dead (pretend to be unconscious), or

d. Try to overpower the hostile intruder/active shooter by force (use anything at your disposal and fight for your life); Only you can decide if this is something you should do

e. If someone other than yourself acts to overpower the hostile intruder/active shooter it is recommended that you assist, as this will increase the chances of success and survival. Again, only you can decide if this is something you should do

If the hostile intruder/active shooter leaves your area, and as soon as it is safe to do so:

1. Close and lock the door and/or block it (try barricading the door with desks and chairs)

2. Call 911 (if not on the line already)

3. DO NOT answer the door and stay in place behind cover

4. Do not respond to any voice commands until you are sure that they come from a Police Officer, a Campus Safety & Security Officer

 

If you decide to flee during a hostile intruder/active shooter situation:

1. No matter what the circumstances, make sure you have an escape route and plan in mind

2. Do not attempt to carry anything while fleeing

3. Do not attempt to remove injured people (leave wounded victims where they are and notify authorities of their location as soon as possible)

4. Move quickly; keep your hands up high and visible

5. Follow the instructions of any Police Officers you may encounter

 

What to expect from responding police officers:

Police Officers responding to an active shooter are trained in a procedure known as “Rapid Deployment” and proceed immediately to the area in which shots were last heard.  Their purpose is to stop the shooting as quickly as possible. The first officers to arrive will not stop to aid injured people; rescue teams composed of other officers and emergency medical personnel will follow the first officers after areas have been secured to treat and remove injured persons.

Please understand that the police will be treating all those they encounter (including you) as possible suspects. When you encounter the police:

1. Remain calm

2. Do as the officers tell you

3. Put down any bags or packages you may be carrying

4. Keep your hands up and visible at all times

5. If you know where the hostile intruder/active shooter is, tell the officers

6. Once out of harm’s way remain at whatever assembly point authorities designate

7. Keep in mind that the entire area is still a crime scene; police will usually not let anyone leave until the situation is fully under control and all witnesses have been identified and questioned

8. Do not leave until you have been interviewed and released

Press Release
American Asset Protection Security Services, Will be presenting free Active Shooter Prevention and Response Seminar in Los Angeles, CA

For Immediate Release
Contact: Natalie Bradford Public Relations
Phone: 800-227-1568 Email: natalie@americanassetprotection.com

LOS ANGELES, CA, December 19, 2011 – American Asset Protection Security Services, the industry’s premier provider of highly trained security personnel, will be hosting an Active Shooter Prevention and Response seminars starting on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at various locations throughout Los Angeles.

“With the recent events throughout the United States, addressing active shooter situations, and what to do if you encounter an active shooter, is both timely and necessary,” explained by: Richard F. Moreno, President of American Asset Protection

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than two million people were victims of workplace violence in 2008 with 22,690 individuals unable to work due to related injuries and 526 people killed. “There are almost always warning signs of an employee who requires help,” said Frank Anderson, Vice President of Manufacturing & Industrial Protection for American Asset Protection Security Services. “Experience and instinct are valuable tools for all managers but managers must also be alert to indirect pleas for help and provide a positive, timely response to ensure a safe and secure work environment. It is critical that businesses proactively address workplace violence and put plans in place that will help with education, preparation and response.”

Discussion and workshop topics include recognizing and preventing workplace violence, policies and procedures, community resources and responding to, and surviving, active shooters.

General Public: For those interested in attending one of the events you are encouraged to R.S.V.P. Should you which to host a seminar at your facility or place of business please contact Natalie Bradford Public Relations at 800-227-1568 or her Email: natalie@americanassetprotection.com. There is no cost for this public service event.

Media interested in attending this event are also encouraged to R.S.V.P. to the press contact in this release. There is no cost to attend this public service event.
About American Asset Protection Security Services
American Asset Protection Security Services is the industry’s premier provider of highly trained, responsive security personnel. Client-focused security officers and managers located across the country are supported by national resources developed from over 50 years of security experience. More than 50,000 employees and 100 offices provide security for several thousand clients in many industries, including approximately 200 Fortune 500 companies. As the most honored security officer Services Company, American Asset Protection leads the industry in award-winning programs. American Asset Protection has been recognized by Training magazine, Corporate University, Leadership Excellence and the American Business Awards, among others. For more information call 1.877.227.1688 or visit us at our website: www.americanassetprotection.com/.