RESPONSE TO ACTIVE SHOOTER
INCIDENT
Ptl. Robb Chernisky
Berea Police Department
Det. Duane Funk
Middleburg Hts. Police
Department
Sgt. Joe Grecol
Berea Police Department
PURPOSE OF THIS TRAINING
Planning and Preparation are key to Survival
 Workplace Violence is becoming more extreme
and widespread… POSTAL?
 Public Institutions are high-priority terrorist
targets
 Physical Actions to increase survival are not
difficult
 Mental Decision-Making is the difficulty

 What
do I do??
WARNING!
Disclaimer
“LOCKDOWN!”

Is this a sufficient defense against an Active
Shooter?


If it works, YES!
What if there is no place to “lock down”?
CLIP FROM “ZERO DAY” BASED ON COLUMBINE
EVOLUTION OF POLICE RESPONSE:

Aug. 1, 1966 – University of Texas, Charles Whitman.
16 killed 32 wounded in what lasted 56 minutes while
police arrived 18 minutes after the start.

Apr. 20, 1999 – Columbine High School, Eric Harris
and Dylan Klebold. 12 killed 24 wounded, 58 minutes
police arrived 14 minutes after start.
EVOLUTION OF POLICE RESPONSE (CONT)

Apr. 16, 2007 – Virginia Tech., Seung-Hui Cho. 32
killed 17 wounded, 12 minutes and police were on
campus.

Apr. 30, 2009 – Binghamton, NY, Jiverly Antares
Wong. 14 killed 4 wounded, 2-3 minutes, police
arrived in 2 minutes but waited 2 hours before making
entry.
EVOLUTION OF A STRATEGY
School Shooting Phenomenon of 90’s
 Led to Research of Civilian Response
Strategies
 Procedures Ranged from None to Passive

 LOCKDOWN/Secure-in-Place
Protocols were Inadequate
 Not meant to Scare, but Prepare

OHIO ACTIVE SHOOTING INCIDENTS

November 7, 1994 - Wickliffe Middle School

May 9, 2003 - Case Western Reserve University

August 19, 2003 - Andover Industries, Andover, Oh

November 7, 2003 - Watkins Van Lines, West Chester, Oh

December 8, 2004 - Alrosa Villa Nightclub, Columbus, Oh

January 26, 2005 - Jeep Liberty Plant, Toledo, Oh
OHIO ACTIVE SHOOTING INCIDENTS

October 10, 2007 - Success Tech Academy, Cleveland, Oh

March 9, 2010 - Ohio State University Facilities Maintenance building

August 8, 2011 – Copley, Oh Suburban neighborhood, various locations

February 27, 2012 - Chardon High School, Chardon, Oh

March 14, 2012 - Miami Jacobs College, Columbus, Oh

April 12, 2012 - Cracker Barrel, Brooklyn, Oh
TRUTHS ABOUT ACTIVE SHOOTER EVENTS

If the bad guy is determined, he WILL get into the
building.

-Most buildings are not built to keep people out
-Most building security measures are easily defeated

Passive and static targets become easy victims!


-How much skill is required to pull a trigger at point blank range
at a stationary target?
TRUTHS ABOUT ACTIVE SHOOTER EVENTS

It is not normal for ONE person to kill or injure large
numbers of victims.

It is not normal for the number of killed to equal or
exceed those of the wounded.

Why are these numbers skewed?

Is it the skill of the shooter or the passive, easy
targets?
WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED:

Unless a building was designed to keep people out, its
security can be only “so” good. If somebody wants in, they
will get in.

Once inside and once he initiates his killing, pleading and
negotiating will be useless, therefore,

Passive and static targets become easy victims, they
become sheep.

How much skill is required to pull a trigger at point blank
range toward a stationary target?
WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED (CONT)
Compliance
is
DANGEROUS!

He does not care about you, your children, your family
or what he can gain by being your friend…he just
wants to make people remember him!
TIMELINE
How long must you wait for help?
TIMELINE
INITIATION: SHOTS FIRED!
911 CALLS MADE
CALL ROUTED TO DISPATCH
DISPATCH NOTIFIES POLICE
POLICE RESPOND TO BUILDING
ENTRY AND TIME TO FIND AND
CONFRONT SHOOTER
TIMELINE

You may have to wait 6-8 minutes before the
first policeman arrives.
 What
do YOU do during this time?
YOU are actually the first responder!
TIMELINE
RESCUE WILL NOT OCCUR
UNTIL:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Police arrive
Police protocol is met
Time to locate threat
Time to control threat
Time to get EMS to
victims
This creates an increased time in lockdown
or an increased time exposed to the BAD
GUY!
Students take cover in French Class in Holden Hall, Virginia Tech; photo by
Chase Damiano
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LOCKDOWN?

For Police and School

For the Shooter

-Command: One word
initiates procedure

-Command: Action initiates
procedure

-Control: Know where
everyone is located

-Control: Procedure requires
everyone to remain

-Convenience: Easily
administered and followed

-Convenience: Minimal action
causes response
Is this the best policy we can produce?
WHY DO SHOOTERS PICK SCHOOLS, MALLS,
CHURCHES, ETC?

*High profile, good publicity for cause

*Potential for mass casualties

*Traditionally, low resistance by school occupants

EQUALS = HIGH CHANCE OF PLAN SUCCESS!
HOW DOES “LOCKDOWN” AFFECT THE
SHOOTER’S PLAN?

*High profile, good publicity for cause

Does not diminish chance of notoriety

*Potential for mass casualties

Targets are told to be “Static” = Easy

*Traditionally, low resistance by school occupants

Easy targets increase shooter’s opportunity

*Low chance of plan failure

Lockdown does little to affect his access to targets except…a locked
door!
LOCKDOWN SHORTCOMINGS

1. People are in the crisis zone too long

2. Priority is law enforcement locating bad guy, not
escape

3. Medical attention will be withheld until all clear

4. Psychological impact of guilt due to inaction
FEAR: USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE!

Fear of the unknown is the natural response “shock effect”The “Oh Crap!” (The OS! Factor):
Factor-Fight, Flight, or Freeze?

Fear is Conquered by Preparation

Physically, you already have the necessary
skills, but do you have the Mental skills?
WHY WE NEED A PLAN…
Because
Experience is something
you get…Right after you NEED it!

Anonymous
CAN LOCKDOWN BE IMPROVED?

1.
A.L..C.E. Advantages:
Integrates technology with common sense
human ACTION.
2.
Provides a plan of action to increase chances of
survival, increase confidence, and reduce fear.
3.
Vastly Diminishes odds of bad guy’s success due
to increased skill level required.
ALERT
Put out all known information to as many as
possible via as many means as possible
 No reason to hold anything
 Do not use codes
 Be repetitive

(c) Response Options, 2010. All rights reserved.
CHANGE THIS
TO THIS
LOCKDOWN
If evacuation does not appear safe, secure-inplace
 Does not mean just lock a door
 Learn barricading techniques
 Learn area denial techniques

INFORM




Continuation of the ALERT
Provide Real-Time Information – HOW?
Allows for Good Decision-Making
Confuse and Frustrate Attacker – HOW?
 Talk to/at THEM
 Redirect focus and anger … at what??
 Take advantage of the attacker’s fragile psychological
state.
 They are suicidal, perhaps we can make it happen!
What historically has been the trigger?
ALLOWING DECISIONS CREATES OPTIONS!
COUNTER

Teach skills that interrupt the physical and mental act of shooting
accurately.



Different and much more difficult than just shooting!
OODA Loop Interruption
OSF – our version of OODA Loop


Teach skills that will allow the targets to benefit from unknown
tactical advantages!





Recognize, Assess, Respond
Distance
Time
Movement
Numbers
Fox and Friends
EVACUATE
Provide occupants with the ability and authority
to evacuate
 Removes as many potential targets as possible
 Removes need for many of those concerned to
come to scene
 Follows natural response

EVACUATE, CONTINUED
Whether planned or not, a mass evacuation will
occur during the Active Shooter event.
 Where will they go?
 NO VEHICLES
 Planning required by NIMS
 Little resources required, only information
required.

THE LESSON FROM VT:
28
VS. 2 (FATALITIES)
PASSIVE VS. PROACTIVE
Room 210
No Class
SAT
PASSIVELY
Room 206 14 Present
Killed – 10
Wounded -2
JUMPED
Room 204 –
19 Present
Killed – 2
Wounded - 3
Room 200
No Class
Hallway – Killed 1
Offices
SAT
PASSIVELY
Room 211 –
19 Present
Killed – 12
Wounded - 6
BARRICADED
AFTER
1ST
TIME
Room 207 – 13
Present
Killed – 5
Wounded - 6
Data from Chapter 8, Virginia Governor’s Report on
Virginia Tech.
BARRICADED
Room 205 –
12 Present
Killed – 0
Wounded – 0
ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, ANY REASON!
Prepare like it will happen
 When/Then

 Mental

Conditioning
OODA Loop
 Observe
 Orient
 Decide
 ACT!
THE PROCESS
When a threat is RECOGNIZED, rapidly ASSESS
the threat level and immediately initiate a
RESPONSE.
 PERCEPTION IS REALITY. Your assessment is
your reality, so no second-guessing.
 Response can be anything, ABN

ABN!
In any moment of decision, the best thing you
can do is the right thing, the next best thing is
the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can
do is nothing.
Theodore Roosevelt
ACTION BEATS REACTION
Be aggressive! Bad guys aren't that skilled!
 Interfere with their ability!
 ACTION vs. REACTION, which is always second?
 DISTANCE is a tactical advantage, GET IT however
you can!!
 Can’t escape? Create MASS CHAOS, create
sounds, sights, and touches that will increase the
skill level required to harm. Throw things at the
face to distract.
 CONTROL THE ATTACKER. SWARM the attacker
and control his limbs.
 SECURE THE WEAPON

WHEN ESCAPE IS NOT AN OPTION

Escape or Evading should always be an option!


Interrupt Decision Cycle of the Shooter


K.I.S.S Principle
“Comply and Die”


Cause Sensory Overload, Distraction
Utilize Numbers and Training to Gain Control


Reverse the “Oh Crap!” Syndrome. BE FIRST
Turn Chaos and Mayhem into an advantage


Anything Beats Nothing…Plan ahead!
Madmen and Terrorists don’t make deals
Trauma First Aid: prolong life of injured

EMS will not be allowed in until the threat is secured….
Create Second Chances, not easy targets!
SUGGESTED ITEMS IN A “GO BUCKET”













Small first aid kit (bandages, tampons, gauze
pads, iodine solution, sterile latex gloves,
antiseptic cream, aspirin, Imodium™,
Benadryl®, eye pads, burn dressings,
antiseptic lotion)
Red-colored “biological waste” bag
Hand-cleaning gel or wipes
Small bottles of bleach and disinfectant
A hat, vest, armband or other unique
identifier for the teacher (and aide if
applicable)
A whistle
Student & staff accounting paperwork - class
list, contact information, key medical info
Tarpaulins or ground covers/plastic sheeting
(opaque rather than clear if possible)
Age-appropriate “time-passers”
Latex-free rubber kitchen gloves
Sunscreen
Flashlight - Hand-generated or with 2 sets of
spare batteries and/or glow sticks
Paper pad/notebook and pens












Bottles of drinking water + flavored electrolyte
crystals
Survival blanket
Orange plastic disposable ponchos
Plastic garbage and trash compactor bags with
strong wire ties
Rolls of duct tape, rubber bands, Super-Glue™,
light rope or parachute cord
Indelible markers
EMT shears or strong scissors
Toilet paper
Hard candy
Some items may have limited shelf life. Also,
keep medicines and sharp objects secure in
the container for safety
Identify all the children who have allergies or
medical issues; keep a note in a sealed,
marked envelope taped inside the lid of the GoBucket
Opaque sheeting can be used to provide shade
from the sun and elements, provide privacy, as
well as concealment.
YOU ARE THE FIRST RESPONDER!
SO PREPARE TO DO WHAT?
1.
Limit the OS!! Factor

Too long of an OODA Loop
Escape
3. Counter direct aggression
2.
Give people the knowledge to create second
chances…They will make you PROUD!
NOT JUST SOME NUTTY IDEA ANYMORE…
How to Respond to an Active Shooter – DHS
 How to Respond to an Active Shooter - DOJ &
IACP
 Houston, TX Police Dept. video on Youtube:
Run.Hide.Fight

REMEMBER THAT THE BEST LAID PLANS
OF MICE AND MEN MAY FAIL

BUT they are a good start!

The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men,
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promis'd joy!
Robert Burns



“The only thing necessary for evil to flourish, is for good
men to do nothing. “
Edmund Burke
RUN.HIDE.FIGHT
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING
???
ANY QUESTIONS?
???