When law enforcement arrives, their primary objective is to locate and stop the shooter as quickly as possible. Officers may arrive equipped with tactical gear and proceed directly toward the source of gunfire. Individuals should remain calm, follow officers’ instructions, and keep their hands visible. 

Avoid making sudden movements, and do not attempt to seek assistance from officers while evacuating. Information regarding the shooter’s location, number of assailants, physical description, and types of weapons involved should be communicated to law enforcement whenever possible.

When Law Enforcement Arrives

Law enforcement’s priority is to stop the shooter quickly. Officers may arrive with tactical gear and proceed directly to where gunshots were last heard. When law enforcement enters:

• Remain calm, follow instructions, and keep hands visible.
• Avoid abrupt movements, and do not attempt to hold onto officers for assistance.
• Only provide information regarding the shooter’s location and description if possible.

Essential Information to Communicate

To 000 or law enforcement, share:

• Shooter’s location.
• Number of shooters.
• Description of shooter(s).
• Type of weapons involved.
• Number of people injured or affected.

To prepare for a potential active shooter event, organisations should create an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that includes input from human resources, facility management, and local emergency responders. 

Regular training and active shooter drills, ideally coordinated with local law enforcement, will help ensure readiness. Preparedness measures include posting evacuation routes prominently, designating emergency contacts, and maintaining a crisis kit with essentials such as floor plans, keys, and first aid supplies.

Preparing Your Team for an Active Shooter Scenario

• Create an Emergency Action Plan (EAP): Involve HR, facility management, and local emergency responders to outline response strategies. Here is a template.
• Training: Regularly conduct active shooter drills in collaboration with local law enforcement to ensure readiness.
• Prevention and Preparedness: Post evacuation routes visibly, designate emergency contacts, and prepare a crisis kit with essential items like floor plans, keys, and first aid supplies.

Recognising early signs of workplace violence can also play a vital role in prevention. 

Individuals exhibiting potentially violent behavior, such as increased substance use, absenteeism, extreme mood swings, or paranoia, may require intervention to manage and address their behavior. 

Signs like frequent policy violations or fixation on firearms or violence should also be reported to HR or security.

Recognising Workplace Violence

Often, active shooters in workplaces show signs of violent behavior before an incident. Some warning signs include:

• Increased substance use or absenteeism.
• Extreme mood swings, anger, or paranoia.
• Frequent policy violations and talk of personal hardships or firearms.

In the aftermath of an active shooter event, accounting for all individuals at assembly points is essential. 

Psychological support should be offered to those affected, and any critical operational gaps due to injuries or fatalities should be identified and addressed. 

A thorough review of the incident can reveal lessons learned, allowing organisations to assess the effectiveness of their EAP and make improvements as needed.

Post-Incident Management

After neutralising the threat:

• Account for all individuals at designated assembly points.
• Provide psychological support, including counseling.
• Identify any critical gaps left by affected individuals and begin recovery procedures.

This guide includes information and recommendations drawn from sources such as Indiana University Police Department, University of California Police, and the Center for Personal Protection and Safety.