Question

1) What is an "active shooter"? Describe some of the characteristics. What are the warning signs of an active shooter?

2) What actions should you take to keep yourself safe in an active shooter situation? What three things will increase your chances of survival during an active shooting situation?

3) Before law enforcement arrives on the scene, who makes the decisions of what you should do in an active shooter situation? Describe why.

4) What actions should you take when law enforcement arrives? How will you know when it's safe to leave your secured area?

5) There are several ethical dilemmas when faced with an active shooter situation. Describe one potential dilemma and how you will resolve this challenge.

Answer 1

Active shooter

An active shooter is an actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area.

Characteristics of an active shooter:

Active shooters use fire arms or weapons in most cases. They choose randomly their victims and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

Active shooters usually doesn't have any financial purpose rather hatred rule over him.

They have a pre plan of the scene

Active shooters doesn't bother about police and most of the cases, they are suicidal.

Warning signs of an Actve shooter

1. Anger and aggression: A person who is in anger or aggressive state most of the time is a danger sign. They may yell, cry or show excessive emotion to others/ colleges, classmates.

2. Anti social behaviour : It is the hostile behaviour to the society. They oppose social order or principles. They show unwillingness to cooperate with others and not regarding the feelings of others.

3. Discussing about revenge or attacks: This is an important sign. A person who discuss about attacks and revenge towards a social group is a warning sign.

4. Mental disorders

Some of the incidents shows that the criminal was a person with Paranoia. Such people usually have the delusions of persecution. ( someone is going to kill or kidnap them or conspiring against them).

5.history of substance abuse and domestic violence

Most of the active shooters are addict to drug or alcohol and they have the history of harming the partner or wife. Most cases the active shooter is a white, male and single/ divorced/ seperated.

2. Answer

Active shooting situations can come unexpectedly. Be prepared every time when you go out and visit a populared area especially churches, malls, exhibitions etc. Be vigilant for a suspicious behaviour or activity. Get some training for first aid and personal protection.

Three things that increase the survival chances during a mass shooting or active shooting are escape , hide or defend.

Escape by running from the situation without getting noticed by the shooter. Before entering a crowded place such as mall, know the exits properly. Don't wait for the belongings to take. If the escape by running is not possible hide out somewhere safely and inform 911 immediately and silently through messages. lock the doors and turn off lights.

If you can't hide or run and you are in an immediate danger fight for yourself. Act wisely. Distract the shooter suddenly( by pouring something on his face such as ice water ) and disarm him with the help of others. Act aggressively.

3. Before law enforcement arrives , people have the responsibility to take actions for their own safety. Don't wait for anyone to give instructions. Safeguard yourself by running or hiding from the site of shooter or shooters. Switch off mobiles. Silently inform to Police. If an immediate danger occur, fight or defend for the life by acting or defending aggressively.

4. When law enforcement officers or police arrives show your empty hands to make sure them that a person is free of danger or weapons. Act calm and follow instructions. Don't shout. Help the other injured people. The survivors have to wait until police identity and secure the witnesses and answer for the questions that helps in identification and clarification of the incident.