Active Shooter / Workplace Violence

ACTIVE SHOOTER / WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

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Be Prepared - Active Shooter/Workplace Violence Resources

What is an Active Shooter? A common definition for an Active Shooter is "an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area." While we commonly refer to them as an "Active Shooter," the perpetrators committing Workplace Violence or Targeted Violence can utilize various weapons or tactics. Active Shooter events can happen anywhere, at any time and the San Diego Sheriff's Office wants to help you prepare for the worst-case scenario.

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Below are resources that will help you Be Prepared should you find yourself in an Active Shooter event. While we can't tell you exactly how you should react, we want to ensure you have all the available information to make the safest choice for the situation you find yourself in.

Below you will find the following resources:

Posters to display at work locations.
Bomb threat checklists to print and leave by your phones
Links to additional resources and statistics
Links to mental health resources if you or someone you know are experiencing a mental health crisis.

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Run, Hide, Fight model

The San Diego Sheriff's Office has adopted the Run, Hide, Fight model for reacting to an Active Shooter. Please watch the video below for more information on Run, Hide, Fight. The video has simulated violence and viewer discretion is advised.

If the perpetrator(s) is not in the immediate area, you may choose to run. If you decide to run here are some considerations:

Run away from the threat as fast as possible.
Encourage others to leave with you.
Assist children or those who have mobility issues.
Don't stop running until you are completely out of danger.
Leave your belongings, focus on saving your life.
Utilize solid objects to block your escape. They will help conceal you and stop bullets.
Stop to call 911 only when it is SAFE to do so.

If you are unable to run away from the perpetrator, you may choose to hide:

A Safe Room is a great option if one is available.
Choose a small office, room or closet that is equipped with a door.
Lock the door if possible.
Barricade the door with furniture or large objects from around the room.
Turn off lights.
Stay out of sight. Position yourself out of view from windows and doors.
Silence or turn off cell phones and watches.
Remain quiet and console others to help keep them calm.
Do not open the door until law enforcement deems it safe to leave.

If you cannot run or hide, your only option left may be to fight. If you must fight, keep these suggestions in mind:

Commit to your actions to defend yourself.
Use all your strength and be aggressive.
Do not fight fair.
Use makeshift weapons from around the room.
Utilize the element of surprise.
Recruit others to help you. Put the odds in your favor.
Remember, it's your right to live.

School Preparedness

While educational institutions statistically are not the most common targets, they can have the largest impact on the country. We recommend that schools, and other businesses, continually assess their campuses, buildings, staff and students for preparedness. Some preparations you may consider are:

Have a comprehensive Emergency Action Plan for all disasters, including Active Shooter.
Conduct a site vulnerability/security assessment.
Coordinate with your local law enforcement office to review your plans.
Conduct age-appropriate drills with staff and students.
Evaluate your response and constantly work to improve.

Houses of Worship

San Diego County has a high concentration of diverse houses of worship. Each one is unique and have their own needs. Many of the above recommendations can be applied to houses of worship. Connecting with your local law enforcement office and other community resources is vital to the protection of your congregation. Assess your desires and needs and upgrade security where feasible. Below you will find links that provide additional information on prevention and preparation.

Reporting

If you notice concerning behavior or know someone who wants to hurt others, report it to your local law enforcement or the San Diego Law Enforcement Coordination Center. If you believe a threat is imminent, call 911. Most Active Shooters/Workplace Violence perpetrators will either tell someone ahead of time or give indications of their intent to commit violence.

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Below are some additional videos to help increase awareness and help remind you if you See Something, Say Something. We may not be able to prevent all Active Shooter events, but we can help save lives by being prepared.