By Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster
“Active Shooter” is a phrase coined by law enforcement that describes an armed person who has used deadly physical force on persons and continues to do so while having unrestricted access to additional victims. The school shooting at Columbine and similar incidents have caused a paradigm-shift in law enforcement training and tactics. Instead of being taught to wait for a SWAT team to arrive, officers receive training on how to take immediate action during incidents that clearly involve suspects’ use of deadly force.
United States Attorney Leura G. Canary stated, “We hear about a shooting in a school or business every few months now, in both large and small towns. Law enforcement must be prepared to handle these situations as they arise. After the Columbine shooting, law enforcement agencies realized that first-on-the-scene patrol officers must be ready to enter a school, mall or other public place to neutralize a shooter and stop the killing.”
In Active Shooter or Immediate Action Rapid Deployment training, officers are provided training on single and team tactics for active shooters, and deliberate and dynamic techniques for dealing with the variety of floor plan situations encountered in schools. Mostly, the class stressed the first officer and follow on officer teams moving safely, assertively, and decisively to engage and neutralize the active threat, thereby preventing the further loss of innocent life.
This valuable training provided patrol officers and school resource officers the skills necessary to decisively end these violent encounters and minimize the loss of innocent human life caused by active shooters.
Here is a list of articles, training information and educational resources related to active shooters and rapid response:
Discussions and Resources on “Active Shooter”
Active Shooter: Train now or pay later
National Association of School Resource Officers
Active Shooter plans for Vanderbilt University, Tenn.
PoliceOne: DHS funding supports free active-shooter training
“Active Shooter": The El Paso Model
FATS Simulator
Full Story
Source: Firearms Training Systems, Inc. (FATS)
Abstract: This site contains information on a commercial firearms training simulator with school shooter scenarios.
Immediate Action – Rapid Deployment
Full Story
Source: Advanced Interactive Systems
Abstract: This site contains information on rapid deployment/active shooter tactics training for patrol officers, basic SWAT, and hostage rescue training.
Immediate Action - Rapid Deployment
Full Story
Source: Special Tactical Services
Abstract: This site contains information on rapid deployment/active shooter tactics training for patrol officers, basic SWAT and hostage rescue training.
National Tactical Officers Association
Full Story
Source: National Tactical Officers Association
Abstract: This site contains information on rapid deployment/active shooter tactics, information and training for patrol officers, basic and advanced SWAT, hostage rescue, crisis negotiation, incident command information and training.
NEMRT Course Offerings
Full Story
Source: North East Multi-Regional Training (NEMRT)
Abstract: This site contains information on rapid deployment/active shooter training for patrol officers, explosives training, weapons training, patrol response to hostage situations, bomb/explosives recognition.
Officer Survival Techniques for Patrol Officers
Full Story
Source: Public Agency Training Council
Abstract: This site contains information on rapid deployment to active shooters for patrol officers and critical incident procedures training.
PRISim Simulator
Full Story
Source: Advanced Interactive Systems
Abstract: This site contains information on a commercial firearms training simulator with school shooter scenarios.
QUAD Training
Full Story
Source: North American SWAT Training Association
Abstract: This site contains information on rapid deployment/active shooter tactics training for patrol officers, basic and advanced SWAT training.
School Incident Course
Full Story
Source: Tactical Explosive Entry School (TEES)
Abstract: This site contains information on hostage rescue and active shooter response training for tactical officers.
SWAT and Weapons Training
Full Story
Source: Ohio Tactical Officers Association
Abstract: This site contains information on SWAT and weapons training.
SWAT Training
Full Story
Source: Florida SWAT Association
Abstract: This site contains information on training in rapid deployment for patrol officers and SWAT to active shooter situations.
Tactical Police Training Calendar
Full Story
Source: Texas Tactical Police Officers Association
Abstract: This site contains information on tactical response (active shooter), basic and advanced SWAT, and weapons training.
Training Programs
Full Story
Source: Pearson-Radli
Abstract: This site contains information on school crisis situations, negotiations, hostage survival, and crisis intervention training.
Varro Press
Full Story
Source: Varro Press
Abstract: This site contains information on publications, training, conferences,and exhibitions on patrol response, tactical operations, critical incident management.
Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy Training Calendar
Full Story
Source: Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy
Abstract: This site contains information on training in patrol response to active shooters and hostage negotiations.
About the Author:
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA, is a regular contributor to Police1.com. After his 24 years of service, he retired to become a well-respected author and educator. His is the author of books like “Police Technology” and “Leadership: Texas Hold ‘em Style.” Raymond can be contacted through the police writer’s website at www.police-writers.com.
