active shooter manual high school
Active Shooter Manual for High Schools: A Comprehensive Plan
Schools must proactively prepare for active shooter scenarios, developing robust emergency plans aligned with FBI definitions and REMS TA guidance.
Regular drills and staff training are crucial for effective response.
Understanding the Active Shooter Threat
The escalating threat of active shooter events necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the dangers facing high schools today. The FBI defines an active shooter as someone actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area, a definition that underscores the urgency of preparedness. This isn’t merely a theoretical concern; it’s a reality demanding proactive measures.
Recent landscape assessments reveal a variety of drills and programs utilized across the United States, though no single approach is universally recommended. Effective preparation requires acknowledging the potential for these incidents and moving beyond reactive responses to a proactive stance. Understanding the scope of the threat involves recognizing that these events can occur in any location, and schools are unfortunately not exempt.
Furthermore, the REMS TA Center emphasizes defining active shooter situations as occurring in confined, populated areas. This highlights the importance of focusing on both prevention strategies and well-rehearsed response protocols. Preparation isn’t about instilling fear, but empowering students and staff with the knowledge and skills to increase their chances of survival.
Defining an Active Shooter
A clear definition of an active shooter is fundamental to effective preparation and response. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provides a crucial baseline: an active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area. This distinguishes such events from other forms of violence, demanding a specific protocol.

It’s important to note this definition encompasses more than a single perpetrator; it includes situations involving multiple individuals. The focus is on the active engagement in lethal violence, meaning the situation is dynamic and evolving. Unlike a hostage situation, the primary goal isn’t negotiation, but stopping the immediate threat to life.
The REMS TA Center further clarifies that these incidents occur in confined and populated areas, emphasizing the vulnerability of school campuses. Understanding this definition informs the development of emergency operations plans and the implementation of drills. Recognizing the characteristics of an active shooter situation is the first step towards effective mitigation and response strategies.
The Psychological Profile of an Active Shooter
While there’s no single, definitive psychological profile of an active shooter, understanding potential contributing factors is vital for preventative measures. Research suggests a complex interplay of individual, social, and situational elements often precede these tragic events. Identifying potential warning signs, rather than attempting to pinpoint a specific “type,” is a more effective approach.
Commonly observed factors include a history of personal crises – such as loss, rejection, or failure – coupled with feelings of resentment, anger, and hopelessness. Many exhibit prior concerning behaviors, including violent ideation, threats, or fascination with weapons. Social isolation, bullying, and a perceived lack of social support can also contribute.
It’s crucial to avoid stereotyping or profiling based on mental health diagnoses. However, untreated mental health issues can exacerbate existing risk factors. Early identification of students struggling with emotional or behavioral difficulties, coupled with access to appropriate support services, is a key preventative strategy within the school environment.
Common Locations Targeted in Schools
Active shooter events in schools unfortunately demonstrate patterns regarding targeted locations, informing preventative security measures. While any area is potentially vulnerable, certain spaces consistently appear as high-risk zones within school campuses. These include large gathering areas like cafeterias, gymnasiums, and auditoriums, due to the potential for mass casualties.
Classrooms, particularly those on ground floors with easy exterior access, are also frequently targeted. Common areas like hallways and libraries, offering transit and congregation points, present opportunities for an active shooter. Administrative offices, though seemingly secure, can be targeted to disrupt communication and control.
Exterior locations, such as school entrances, athletic fields, and parking lots, should not be overlooked. Comprehensive security assessments must consider all potential access points and vulnerabilities. Strengthening security protocols in these frequently used areas is paramount to minimizing risk and enhancing school safety.

Pre-Incident Planning & Prevention
Schools should prioritize proactive planning, developing comprehensive Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) and conducting thorough risk assessments. Building safety committees and fostering law enforcement relationships are vital;
School Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Development
A robust School Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is the cornerstone of preparedness for any crisis, including an active shooter event. The REMS TA Center provides guidance for developing high-quality EOPs, emphasizing a collaborative approach involving school administrators, staff, students, parents, and local law enforcement.
The EOP should clearly define roles and responsibilities for all personnel during an active shooter situation. It must outline specific procedures for communication, evacuation, lockdown, and reunification of students and staff. Detailed maps of the school building, including evacuation routes and shelter-in-place locations, are essential components.
Furthermore, the EOP should address the psychological impact of an active shooter event, incorporating provisions for trauma-informed care and critical incident stress management (CISM). Regular review and updates to the EOP are crucial to ensure its effectiveness and relevance, reflecting changes in the school environment and best practices in emergency management. The plan must align with local and state emergency response protocols, facilitating seamless coordination with external agencies.
Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Analysis
A comprehensive risk assessment is paramount in proactively identifying potential vulnerabilities within the school environment. This process involves a systematic evaluation of the school’s physical security, operational procedures, and potential threats. Key areas to assess include access control, perimeter security, visibility, and communication systems.
Vulnerability analysis should pinpoint weaknesses that could be exploited by an active shooter, such as unlocked doors, inadequate lighting, or blind spots in surveillance coverage. It’s crucial to consider both internal and external threats, analyzing potential motivations and methods. This assessment should also evaluate the effectiveness of existing security measures and identify areas for improvement.
The findings of the risk assessment should directly inform the development and implementation of preventative measures, including enhanced security protocols, staff training, and physical security upgrades. Regular reassessments are vital to adapt to evolving threats and maintain a secure learning environment, ensuring the EOP remains relevant and effective.
Building a School Safety Committee
Establishing a dedicated School Safety Committee is fundamental to a proactive and comprehensive safety plan. This committee should be multidisciplinary, comprising administrators, teachers, staff, parents, law enforcement representatives, and potentially, students. Diverse perspectives are crucial for a holistic approach to safety.

The committee’s primary responsibility is to oversee the development, implementation, and regular review of the School Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). This includes conducting risk assessments, vulnerability analyses, and coordinating drills and training exercises. Effective communication and collaboration are essential for success.
The committee should also focus on fostering a positive school climate that promotes reporting of potential threats and concerns. Regular meetings, clear roles and responsibilities, and ongoing professional development are vital. A well-functioning committee ensures a coordinated and effective response to any safety challenge, prioritizing the well-being of students and staff.
Establishing Relationships with Law Enforcement
Cultivating strong, collaborative relationships with local law enforcement agencies is paramount for school safety. This partnership extends beyond simply having a school resource officer (SRO); it requires ongoing communication, joint planning, and mutual training opportunities. Regular meetings between school administrators and law enforcement officials are essential to discuss potential threats, review emergency plans, and refine response protocols.
These relationships should include pre-incident planning sessions to address vulnerabilities and develop coordinated response strategies. Law enforcement can provide valuable expertise in risk assessment, active shooter response tactics, and post-incident investigation. Joint training exercises, including tabletop simulations and full-scale drills, enhance preparedness and ensure seamless coordination during a crisis.
Clear communication channels and established protocols for reporting suspicious activity are also vital. A strong partnership fosters trust and ensures a swift, effective response in the event of an active shooter situation, maximizing the safety of students and staff.

Response Protocols: Run, Hide, Fight
Schools should implement the “Run, Hide, Fight” protocol, prioritizing evacuation. If escape isn’t possible, lockdown procedures are vital, with fighting as a final, desperate measure.
Run: Evacuation Procedures

Effective evacuation is the primary response to an active shooter situation, demanding pre-planned and practiced procedures. Schools must establish clear evacuation routes, ensuring they are well-marked and accessible to all students and staff, including those with disabilities. These routes should lead to designated safe assembly areas, far from the affected building or zone.
During an active shooter event, immediate announcement systems are critical – utilizing intercoms, public address systems, or mass notification tools to alert everyone to the threat and initiate evacuation. Staff should be trained to quickly and calmly direct students, prioritizing speed and order.
Evacuation drills, conducted regularly, are essential for familiarizing students and staff with routes and procedures. These drills should simulate realistic scenarios, including blocked exits or injured individuals. Post-drill evaluations should identify areas for improvement.
Crucially, schools must emphasize that students and staff should leave belongings behind during evacuation, focusing solely on escaping to safety. Once at the assembly area, a headcount should be taken to account for all individuals and identify anyone missing, immediately reporting this information to law enforcement.
Hide: Lockdown Procedures
When evacuation isn’t possible, swift and secure lockdown procedures are vital. Schools must designate specific lockdown locations within classrooms and offices – areas offering physical protection, ideally without windows or with limited visibility. These locations should be reinforced, if possible, by furniture or barricades.
Upon a lockdown announcement, staff must immediately secure doors, close and lock windows, and turn off lights; Students should be instructed to remain quiet, out of sight, and away from doors and windows. Cell phone use should be minimized to avoid detection.
Classroom doors should be reinforced with available materials, creating a barrier against potential entry. Teachers should prepare to take roll and account for all students, noting any missing individuals to relay to authorities.
Maintaining silence is paramount during a lockdown. Students and staff must remain hidden until law enforcement provides an “all clear” signal. Schools should establish a clear communication protocol with law enforcement to facilitate rapid information exchange during the lockdown event, ensuring a coordinated response.
Fight: Last Resort Strategies
Employing a “fight” response should only be considered as an absolute last resort, when life is in imminent danger and no other options – run or hide – are viable. This involves aggressively attempting to incapacitate the active shooter. It’s a high-risk strategy requiring courage and commitment.
If forced to fight, individuals should act with overwhelming aggression, utilizing any available objects as weapons – chairs, fire extinguishers, books, or improvised tools. The goal is to disrupt, overwhelm, and neutralize the shooter. Coordinate efforts with others if possible, launching a simultaneous attack.
Focus attacks on vulnerable areas, aiming for incapacitation rather than lethal force if feasible, but prioritizing survival. Commit to the action with unwavering resolve. Remember, hesitation can be fatal.
Following the engagement, immediately comply with law enforcement instructions. Clearly identify yourself as a non-threat and provide details about the shooter’s location and condition. Understand that law enforcement may initially treat all individuals as potential threats, so clear communication is crucial.

Post-Incident Procedures
Following an active shooter event, prioritize immediate medical aid, parent communication, and trauma-informed care for students and staff, alongside CISM support.
Immediate Response & Medical Assistance
The initial moments following an active shooter incident are critical, demanding a swift and coordinated response focused on preserving life. Immediate actions must prioritize securing the scene, ensuring no further threats remain, and initiating medical assistance for the injured. Trained personnel, including school nurses, designated staff members, and arriving emergency responders, should rapidly assess casualties and provide appropriate care.
Establishing a triage area is essential for efficiently categorizing patients based on the severity of their injuries. This allows for focused treatment and resource allocation. Control bleeding through direct pressure, tourniquets when appropriate, and elevation. Immobilize suspected fractures and monitor vital signs continuously. Clear communication with emergency medical services (EMS) is paramount, providing accurate information regarding the number of casualties, the nature of their injuries, and the location of the triage area.
Furthermore, psychological first aid should be administered alongside physical medical care. Offer reassurance, a calming presence, and basic emotional support to those affected. Remember that even those without visible injuries may be experiencing significant emotional distress. Maintaining a secure perimeter and controlling access to the affected area are vital for both medical operations and ongoing safety.
Communication with Parents and Media
Effective and timely communication is paramount following an active shooter incident, requiring a carefully planned strategy to address the needs of both parents and the media. A designated communication team should be established, responsible for crafting consistent and accurate messaging. Prioritize direct notification to parents via multiple channels – phone calls, text messages, email, and the school website – providing updates on the situation, reunification procedures, and available support services.
Transparency is crucial, but avoid releasing sensitive information that could compromise the investigation or endanger ongoing operations. Designate a single spokesperson to handle media inquiries, ensuring all statements are coordinated and factual. Prepare pre-approved talking points to address common questions and concerns. A dedicated media briefing area should be established, separate from the student reunification site.
Empathy and sensitivity are essential when communicating with grieving families. Offer condolences, provide access to grief counseling resources, and respect their privacy. Regularly update parents on the progress of the investigation and any changes to the reunification process. Proactive communication minimizes rumors and fosters trust during a highly stressful time.
Trauma-Informed Care for Students and Staff

Following an active shooter event, providing trauma-informed care is essential for both students and staff, recognizing the profound psychological impact of such violence. This approach shifts from asking “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” acknowledging the event’s role in current behaviors. Immediate psychological first aid should be offered, creating a safe space for individuals to express their feelings without judgment.
Comprehensive mental health support services must be readily available, including individual counseling, group therapy, and access to psychiatric care. Training staff in trauma-informed practices equips them to recognize signs of distress and provide appropriate support. It’s vital to understand that trauma responses vary widely and may manifest differently in each person.
Long-term support is crucial, as the effects of trauma can persist for months or years. Schools should establish partnerships with community mental health organizations to ensure ongoing access to resources. Prioritize creating a supportive and understanding school environment that fosters healing and resilience, recognizing the collective trauma experienced by the entire community.
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) provides a structured, systematic approach to mitigating the acute stress reactions experienced by responders and witnesses following a traumatic event like an active shooter incident. CISM teams, comprised of trained professionals, offer immediate on-scene support, defusings – brief group interventions – and post-incident debriefings.
Defusings, conducted within 24-72 hours, provide a safe forum for individuals to share their experiences and receive emotional support. Debriefings, more in-depth sessions, occur within 72 hours to a week post-incident, facilitating the processing of traumatic memories and identifying individuals needing further assistance. CISM isn’t therapy, but a supportive intervention to prevent long-term psychological harm.
Effective CISM implementation requires pre-incident training for team members and clear protocols for activation. Schools should establish relationships with local CISM teams and integrate CISM into their overall emergency response plan. Recognizing that everyone reacts differently to trauma, CISM offers tailored support to promote resilience and recovery.

Drills and Training
Regular drills, mapped to the school’s emergency plan, are vital. Post-drill debriefings and evaluations refine procedures, while comprehensive staff training ensures preparedness.
Types of Active Shooter Drills
Implementing a variety of active shooter drills is essential for comprehensive preparedness, ensuring staff and students are ready for diverse scenarios. These drills shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather tailored to the school’s specific layout, demographics, and emergency operations plan (EOP).
Tabletop Exercises involve discussing response protocols in a low-pressure environment, fostering communication and identifying potential weaknesses in the EOP. These are often the starting point for drill implementation.

Functional Exercises simulate specific aspects of an active shooter event, such as lockdown procedures or communication systems, testing their effectiveness in a more realistic setting.
Full-Scale Exercises are the most comprehensive, simulating an entire active shooter event with realistic scenarios and participation from law enforcement and emergency medical services. These require significant planning and coordination. It’s crucial to remember that drills should never mimic real-life events too closely, potentially causing undue trauma. The focus should always be on practicing response procedures, not recreating the horror of an actual shooting. Careful consideration must be given to the psychological impact on participants.
Best Practices for Conducting Drills
Effective active shooter drills require meticulous planning and sensitivity. Prioritize clear communication with staff, students, and parents regarding drill objectives and procedures, avoiding surprise drills that can induce panic. Align drill types directly with the school’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), ensuring exercises reinforce established protocols.
Before any drill, conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities. Establish clear roles and responsibilities for all participants, including designated safety officers and communication leads. During the drill, observe and document performance, noting areas for improvement.
Post-drill debriefings are critical. Gather feedback from participants to identify what worked well and what needs adjustment. Emphasize that drills are learning opportunities, not evaluations of individuals. Trauma-informed practices are paramount; provide support resources for anyone experiencing distress. Regularly review and update drill procedures based on lessons learned and evolving best practices, ensuring continuous improvement in school safety preparedness.
Debriefing and Evaluation of Drills
Post-drill debriefing is a cornerstone of effective preparedness, moving beyond simple execution to genuine learning. Immediately following a drill, convene a meeting with key personnel – administrators, safety team members, and potentially representatives from local law enforcement – to gather initial observations. Focus on identifying both successes and areas needing improvement in the school’s response.
A comprehensive evaluation should involve collecting feedback from all participants, including staff and, where appropriate and with sensitivity, students. Anonymous surveys can encourage honest input. Analyze drill performance against pre-defined objectives outlined in the School Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
Document all findings and recommendations in a formal report. This report should detail specific actions needed to address identified weaknesses, including adjustments to procedures, training enhancements, or resource allocation. Regularly review and update the EOP based on drill evaluations, ensuring continuous improvement and a dynamic safety posture. Prioritize trauma-informed care throughout the process.
Staff Training on Active Shooter Response
Comprehensive staff training is paramount, equipping all personnel with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to an active shooter event. Training should cover the core principles of “Run, Hide, Fight,” emphasizing situational awareness and rapid decision-making. Regularly scheduled refresher courses are essential, reinforcing learned behaviors and addressing evolving best practices.
Training programs should incorporate realistic scenarios and tabletop exercises, allowing staff to practice response protocols in a controlled environment. Focus on practical skills like barricading doors, communicating effectively during a lockdown, and providing basic first aid.
Beyond tactical responses, training must address the psychological impact of an active shooter situation, preparing staff to support students and colleagues. Include components on trauma-informed care and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). Ensure all training aligns with the School Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and local law enforcement guidance, fostering a unified and coordinated response.

























































