The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released it “Active Shooter Incidents in the United States in 2014 and 2015” in June. The analysis identified 20 incidents each year, an increase from 17 in 2013.
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) define an active shooter as one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area — implicit in this definition is the shooters’ use of firearms when engaging in criminal activity. The incidents took place in 26 states, and 12 incidents occurred in business environments, according to the report. Nine incidents involved shootings occurring in business environments generally open to pedestrian traffic and three incidents occurred in businesses generally closed to pedestrian traffic.
The DHS is trying to help people, small and medium-sized businesses included, not only prevent, but be prepared. Linda Solheim, director of sector outreach and programs division, Office of Infrastructure Protection, Department of Homeland Security told The Title Report it is important for small to medium-sized businesses to connect, plan, train and report.
“We recommend small to medium-sized businesses, and even larger businesses, connect with law enforcement or Homeland Security’s Protective Security advisors,” she said. “(Take) that opportunity to connect and plan so (employees) are aware of potential hazards and threats to their businesses.”
Once a plan is in place, training is necessary either through a tabletop exercise, a drill or full-scale exercise, which local law enforcement could help with. Employees need to be aware of the plan and know what to do in an active shooter situation.
“It’s very important people know their roles and responsibilities,” Solheim said. “It’s very important that all employees be aware and knowledgeable of the plan. It should be drilled so people have the opportunity to test out the plan. It’s very important to do that.”
DHS has a “See Something, Say Something” campaign, encouraging everyone to report suspect or violent behavior. Solheim said it’s important to report what you see either internally or to local law enforcement or even to the FBI.
“One part of our training is to make people aware of indicators such as speech that might be occurring in the workplace; someone who was really outgoing (who is) suddenly depressed and withdrawn; someone who shows intense anger or hostility. We cover a range of those cocnerns to prepare and increase awareness as part of our program,” she said.
DHS offers many resources at no cost and available to anyone who wants to be prepared. These include online trainings focusing on behavioral indicators, potential attack methods, how to develop an emergency plan and actions that may be taken during an incident. There is a one-hour online course Solheim has made family members take, (IS-907 Active Shooter: What You Can Do). There are scenario-based workshops available teaching best practices associated with preparing for and responding to an active shooter incident, and there are also booklets, pocket guides and a 90-minute webinar.
“In preparation, often what we’re noticing is when people are developing emergency action plans, the sense of urgency will sometimes lead individuals to rush through the plan,” DHS Section Chief with the Active Shooter Program Daniel Abreu told The Title Report. “It’s important to go through the steps comprehensively and ensure people know their roles and responsibilities. … It’s very important they don’t rush through the planning stage.”
“Our hometown security program is focused on small to medium-sized businesses and I think it’s really important for these businesses to look at www.DHS.gov/hometownsecurity to learn more about these federal resources,” Solheim said.
www.ready.gov/business
www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something
www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness