At this writing, the FBI has announced that it is
investigating the San Bernardino shooting as terrorist related. Whether
terrorist related, workplace violence related, or due to mental illness, to the
victims, it does not matter what the motive, they are now victims.
As the number of active shooter incidents increase, the
number of incidents of gun violence is declining according to this Washington
Post article https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/12/03/weve-had-a-massive-decline-in-gun-violence-in-the-united-states-heres-why/.
So in the big picture, we may be safer, but we have a growing problem with
active shooter incidents.
The ultimate solution for this epidemic of active shooter
incidents will only come after a national discussion of what to do. Whatever
measures that are implemented, they will not eliminate the problem overnight.
In the meantime, we need to take action to protect ourselves
while we live our lives. Paranoia and fear will not lead to effective action. Awareness
and a determination to survive will lead to success.
People who teach personal safety teach the importance of
being aware of your surroundings before they teach any physical techniques of
personal defense. Awareness is important not only in the context of mass
casualties or potential terrorism, it is important to the safety of our lives
in preventing property crimes and the protection against assault.
Active shooter situations are proving to be very difficult
to prevent, by police and by our society as a whole. An active shooter incident
can occur quickly and at unpredictable times and places. Hardening certain
locations with metal detectors, bullet proof glass and bullet proof doors might
help for some locations, but as the recent Paris terrorist attacks have shown,
there are many places that cannot be protected with extraordinary efforts.
Surviving an active shooter attack requires quick, thought
out action. The modern recommendation from law enforcement agencies in these
situations is to Run, Hide, Fight. This is a radical change in their thinking
since the Columbine mass casualty incident of several years ago. Major
corporations and governmental entities have taken to practicing what to do in
the case of a mass casualty incident. Planning and practice before an incident,
is key to survival.
Active shooter is as complicated as it is horrifying. Here
are some resources that you can use to better understand the subject and can
give you recommendations on what you can do to protect yourself.
CBS 60 Minutes:
The segment below, which aired before the San Bernardino
shootings, and its associated videos give a broad overview of law enforcement’s
perceptions of active shooter situations.
Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:
Thanks to Safety Sessions (https://www.facebook.com/www.safetysessions.net/?fref=nf)
for the following link. Despite the name of the web site, the advice that is
provided is credible advice.
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