NCJ Number
199427
Journal
Sheriff Volume: 53 Issue: 3 Dated: May-June 2001 Pages: 20,24
Date Published
May 2001
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article outlines the priorities for the police response to "active-shooter" situations, in which one or more persons are reported to be shooting people at a particular site.
Abstract
The top priority is the capture or neutralization of the suspect as soon as possible. This is an immediate task, because as long as the suspect is allowed to move about, he/she is likely to produce more injuries and deaths. Another priority is to protect the lives of those in proximity to the shooter. While the contact team moves to the location of the shooter to stop his/her deadly actions, rescue teams should move to evacuate and rescue the injured and conduct more systematic searches of the site. Other priorities are to protect the lives and ensure the safety of citizens in the area; ensure the safety of law enforcement officers; and contain the situation. Training in deployment for active-shooter situations should be conducted at the police academy so that all new police officers and deputies will be familiar with the tactics and develop the skills needed for their implementation. The key to such training is to show officers proper team movement, weapons handling, and room clearing. The best training is field training.