In wake of an uptick in mass shooting events, many businesses and institutions have become forced to think more preemptively about how to keep themselves safe from such crises. As security loopholes continue to be exploited and safety culture continues to subsequently adapt, this notion is as inevitable as it is unfortunate; which changes the duty & standard of care for many employers. The recent tragedy at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, for instance, has ignited a new conversation on increased security for religious sanctuaries — something that, prior to the shooting, had generally not been considered to such lengths.
If you hold any type of corporate leadership role, you may find yourself grappling with how to implement up-to-date security preparations to keep your staff safe. Due to the nearly endless stream of reports on violent attacks, it is easy to feel increasingly obligated to fortify your institution, which in turn may spur you into quick action without a clear plan. However, like all security-based endeavors, there is a right way and a wrong way to do accomplish this task.
That said, here are a few key considerations to note when addressing your workplace’s active shooter security.
Educate staff & stakeholders
The obvious starting point for enhanced active shooter security, in any business or institution, is education &training. Schedule meetings with your staff members to assess their general knowledge of best practices in active shooter protocol, auditing their weaknesses and educational deficiencies within the subject. Once this information is identified, you will have a clearer image of what educational intervention may look like. In most cases, this process will boil down to securing and communicating a clear active shooter protocol, pointing out crucial behavioral risk factors exhibited in potential shooters, and scheduling drills and follow-up meetings to keep staff well-versed in what is up-to-date.