The Office of Infrastructure Protection National Protection and Programs Directorate Department of Homeland Security Active Shooter: Preparedness and Response Texas Municipal Courts Education Center Addison, TX March 9, 2016 Agenda Overview and Characteristics of an Active Shooter Incident: Preparation Response Recovery Active Shooter How to Respond Materials: Options for Consideration Training Video Online Training Workshops Webinar 2 Active Shooter Situation Overview Active shooters can attack workplaces, schools, hospitals, etc. Although many perpetrators have a history of negative sometimes violent behavior, there is still no single, one-size-fits-all profile of an active shooter. 3 1
Recent Active Shooter Incidents December 2, 2015: 14 people were killed at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California November 29, 2015: 3 people were killed at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado October 2, 2015: 10 people (including the gunman) were killed at Oregon s Umpqua Community College July 16, 2015: 5 people were killed at a military recruiting center and a Navy-Marine training facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee June 17, 2015: 9 people were killed during a Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina September 16, 2013: 13 people (including the gunman) were killed at the Headquarters of the Naval Sea Systems Command inside the Washington Navy Yard in Southeast Washington, D.C. 4 Other Active Shooter Incidents December 14, 2012: 27 people (including the gunman) were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School (plus one additional victim related to the gunman in a nearby residence) in Newtown, CT August 5, 2012: 7 people (including the gunman) were killed in a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, WI July 20, 2012: 12 people were killed and 58 were injured in a movie theater in Aurora, CO January 8, 2011: 6 people were killed and 13 (including U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords) were injured in a supermarket parking lot in Tucson, AZ November 5, 2007: 13 people were killed and 29 were injured at a military base in Ft. Hood, TX April 16, 2007: 32 people were killed and 17 were wounded at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA 5 2012 Joint Intelligence Bulletin The Federal Bureau of Investigation analyzed 154 active shooter events in the United States between 2002 and 2012 that included 3 or more individuals being shot. Some of the facts about the shooters: Deceased after the event, 51% Committed suicide, 43% Shot and killed by responders, 8% Arrested, 45% Unidentified, 4% Male, 96% Acted alone, 96% The most common identified motivations: Workplace retaliation, 21% Domestic disputes, 14% Academic retaliation by a current or former student, 7% No clear motivation revealed, 40% 6 2
2012 Joint Intelligence Bulletin Active shooter events most commonly occurred in a workplace environment (37 percent) or academic setting (17 percent). From investigations and analysis, many active shooters were described as social isolates, harbored feelings of hate and anger, and/or had some reported contact with mental health professionals. Mental illness is commonly referenced as a potential contributing factor, but its causal impact on the attack can only be speculated. Very few active shooters had previous arrests for violent crimes. Common catalysts or triggers observed include: loss of significant relationships, changes in financial status, loss of a job, changes in living arrangements, major adverse changes to life circumstances, and/or feelings of humiliation or rejection on the part of the shooter. 7 Active Shooter Incident Characteristics An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. In most cases, there is no pattern or method to the selection of victims. Most active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Preparedness and awareness are key to helping protect our employees, our customers, and ourselves. 8 Potential Indicators Thoughts: Talk of previous violent incidents. Unsolicited focus on dangerous. If others recognize and report these behaviors, the employee may be assisted, supported, and treated. It is important for employers to establish communication procedures for reporting these concerns. Depending on company policy, employees should alert the Human Resources Department or Safety/Security Department. weapons Expressions of paranoia or depression. Overreaction to workplace changes. Feelings: Depression or withdrawal. Unstable, emotional responses. Feeling either arrogant and supreme, or powerless. Intense anger or hostility. Behaviors: Increased use of alcohol or drugs. Violations of company policies. Increased absenteeism. Exploiting or blaming others. 9 3
Preparation 10 Protective Measures 2014 Joint Intelligence Bulletin Ensure you are familiar with current active shooter and other emergency response plans. Establish safe rooms within the confines of facilities. Establish communication protocols and means to instruct personnel on immediate personal protective actions (e.g. evacuation, shelterin-place). During times of heightened threat, maintain awareness of travel patters and, if possible, vary times and routes to avoid predictability. Exercise caution when discussing travel or personal matters on social media, unsecured networks, and in public settings. Raise awareness among employees by conducting all hazards training. Ensure that emergency communications equipment is present and operable. 11 Protective Measures 2014 Joint Intelligence Bulletin Report missing or stolen equipment, including weapons, to proper authorities. Be familiar with the See Something, Say Something campaign and appropriately report all odd or suspicious activity to agency security officers, Federal Protective Service, or local law enforcement. Increase visibility of armed security and law enforcement personnel in areas adjacent to and in front of security checkpoints to deter unwanted activity. 12 4
Long-Term Protective Measures 2014 Joint Intelligence Bulletin Long-term protective measures should emphasize physical safeguards that present a robust deterrent and provide a more survivable environment. Officials should consider the following measures: Install secure locks on all external and internal doors and windows with quick-release capability from within for emergency escape. Install window and external door protection with quick-release capability for fire escape. Establish safe areas within the facility for assembly and refuge during crises. Establishing/implement an emergency communications system such as phone trees or text messages for personnel. 13 Always maintain situational awareness Cooper Color Code Awareness Chart White Yellow Orange Red Black Unaware of your surroundings, not paying attention Attentive, but relaxed Focus is directed, there is an immediate potential threat There is a definitive threat You are actively fighting 14 Creating an Emergency Action Plan To best prepare your staff for an active shooter situation, create an Emergency Action Plan, and conduct training exercises. These will prepare staff to effectively respond and help minimize loss of life. Components of an Emergency Action Plan: Method for reporting fires and other emergencies. Evacuation policy and procedure. Emergency escape procedures and route assignments (i.e., floor plans, safe areas). Contact information for, and responsibilities of, individuals to be contacted under the plan. Information concerning local area hospitals (i.e., name, telephone number, distance from your location). An emergency notification system to alert individuals at remote locations within premises, law enforcement, and area hospitals. 15 5
Incident Pre-Planning Facility readiness requires that managers develop and exercise response plans that apply general preparedness and response protocols to specific types of emergencies and facility capabilities (including security resources). Some items to consider during plan development: Establish alternative methods of communication with employees during an incident including emergency notification system, email, cell phone, text message, and loudspeaker announcements. Determine how to estimate the impact of an incident on facility operations and communicate that to customers, the public, and law enforcement. Communicate with emergency responders to manage facility expectations of response capabilities. Train, train, train!!!! During stressful situations the body will go where the mind tells it to, but it the mind doesn t know 16 Preparation and Management Human Resources Department Responsibilities: Conduct effective employee screening and background checks. Create a system for reporting signs of potentially violent behavior. Make counseling services available to employees. Develop an EAP to address an active shooter situation. Facility Manager Responsibilities: Institute access controls (i.e., keys, security system pass codes). Distribute critical items to appropriate managers/employees including: floor plans, keys, facility personnel lists, and telephone numbers. Coordinate with the security department to ensure location security. Assemble crisis kits containing: radios, floor plans, staff roster/emergency contact numbers, first aid kits, flashlights. Place removable floor plans near entrances/exits for first responders. Activate emergency notification system during an emergency situation. 17 Assisting Emergency Responders When planning how you can assist emergency responders, consider the following: Is security technology, such as closed circuit television, in place to assist law enforcement in locating the victims and shooter(s)? What procedures are in place to provide site and building maps? What procedures are available to provide facility access to emergency responders? Are critical phone calls getting through to security personnel? Are extra radios available for emergency responders? Where are incoming emergency response personnel staged? Are there any safety concerns as emergency responders enter process areas? 18 6
Incident Recovery Considerations Addressing Victims and Families: Has the facility established a family hotline? What is the process to assist with victim identification? Who is responsible for gathering information related to victim identities, extent of injuries, and what hospitals are being utilized? How are family members notified? Who performs the notifications and are they trained for this responsibility? Will facility personnel provide counselors for employees and families? How will concerns about returning to work be handled? Communicating Internally: What instructions will management give to the employees and how will it be communicated? Should they return to their homes, remain onsite at a specified location, go to another site, etc.? How will facility personnel communicate with families? 19 Incident Recovery Considerations External Communication: Who is the designated official for responding to media inquiries? What information and details will facility personnel provide to the media to ease community concerns without inciting panic or hindering the investigation? Continuing Business Operations: What are the business recovery/continuity plans? Who will make re-entry decisions? Who will provide safety and security debriefings? When and how will managers fill the positions of deceased and injured employees? What actions are needed to ensure employees feel safe? How will the facility continue operating with limited production or with certain areas of the facility designated a crime scene? 20 Response 21 7
Options for Consideration Video 22 Response to an Active Shooter Situation In an active shooter situation, you should quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. You should: 1. Run: If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. 2. Hide: If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you. 3. Fight: As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter. It is important to train employees they can react if they are confronted with an active shooter situation. These situations evolve quickly, therefore, quick decisions could mean the difference between life and death. If you are in harm s way, you will need to quickly decide on the safest course of action based on the scenario unfolding before you. 23 Psychological and Physiological Responses Psychological Response Denial (a.k.a. normalcy bias) Deliberation; what next, the OODA Loop (observe, orient, decide, act) Decision (action) Physiological Responses Tunnel vision Audio exclusion Time dilation Out of body experiences Reduced motor skills Use of combat breathing can assist in resolving physiological effects In thru the nose for a 3-count, hold it for 2, out for 3; pause for 2 then breathe again 24 8
Run If you suspect an active shooter situation, you must quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life; if there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. Always have an escape route/plan in mind. Leave your belongings behind. Be sure to: Warn others not to enter an area where the active shooter may be. Help others escape, if possible. Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow. Do not attempt to move wounded people. Keep your hands visible. Follow the instructions of any police officers. Call 911 when it is safe to do so 25 Hide If safe evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you. Your hiding place should: Be out of the shooter s view. Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., an office with a closed and locked door). Not trap or restrict your options for movement. Cover versus Concealment To prevent a shooter from entering your hiding place: Lock the door. Blockade the door with heavy furniture. Close, cover, and move away from the door. SILENCE YOUR CELL PHONE (not vibrate) 26 Fight As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, should you attempt to incapacitate the shooter by acting with physical aggression. Act as aggressively as possible against him/her. Throw items and improvise weapons. Yell. Commit to your actions. YOU MAY NOT GET A SECOND CHANCE! Have a plan! What can I use as a weapon? Maybe two against one. Priority is to disabling the weapon. 27 9
Assisting Emergency Responders When possible, provide the following information to law enforcement officers or 911 operators: Location of the active shooter. Number of shooters, if more than one. Physical description of the shooter(s). Number and type of weapons held by the shooter(s). Number of potential victims at the location. Law enforcement s primary goal is to stop the shooter as soon as possible. Primary responsibility is to eliminate the threat; they will not be able to stop to help injured persons until the environment is safe. Officers may arrive in teams with tactical equipment such as vests, helmets, and rifles. Officers will need to take command of the situation; expect officers to shout orders or push individuals to the ground for their safety. 28 Reactions of Managers Employees and customers are likely to follow the lead of managers during an emergency situation. During an emergency, managers should be familiar with their Emergency Action Plan, and be prepared to: Remain calm. Take immediate action. Lock and barricade doors if appropriate. Evacuate staff and customers to a safe area via preplanned evacuation route. 29 Recovery After an incident occurs, it is important to manage the consequences and analyze the lessons learned. Post-event activities includes accounting for missing persons, determining a method for notifying families of victims, and referring individuals at the scene for follow-up care, including grief counseling. To facilitate effective planning for future emergencies, analyze the recent active shooter situation for lessons learned, create an after action report, refine the emergency action plan, and conduct training. 30 10
Active Shooter How to Respond Program Overview 31 Training and Outreach Materials DHS materials consist of three products: Basic Guide Book. Pocket Emergency Measures Guide. Break Room Poster. To download these materials visit: www.dhs.gov/activeshooter 32 Online Training DHS released Active Shooter, What You Can Do (IS-907), an online training course available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Emergency Management Institute: http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is907.asp The self-paced course takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. Upon completion, participants can take a short online "final exam" that is instantly scored. A certificate is provided to participants who finish the course and pass the final exam. 33 11
Workshops DHS is partnering with police departments to conduct workshops aimed at fostering communication between facilities and their local emergency response teams to improve coordination during and response during an active shooter event. These one-day, facilitated seminars will focus on emergency responder and facility coordination, interoperability capabilities, communications protocols, best practices, and integration of local assets. For more information, email ASworkshop@hq.dhs.gov 34 For more information visit: www.dhs.gov/activeshooter Harvey PT Perriott Protective Security Advisor North Texas 972-268-0946 12