The role of unarmed security in active killer defence

Active shooter-type attacks are low-probability/ high-consequence incidents that must be a part of every organisation’s all-hazards emergency preparedness programme. All too often, law enforcement is viewed as the only viable response, and while law enforcement’s role is imperative, on-site security can do a great deal to prevent and mitigate this ever-growing threat. This paper argues that security officers should be trained and empowered with tools to help them identify Pre-Attack INdicators (PAINs) and those elements of first timer’s syndrome that are exhibited prior to an attack. An understanding of PAINs combined with courteous, proactive and engaging interactions, will improve overall security value and provide early recognition and faster response in the unlikely event of an active-shooter type attack. Current active shooter response best practices embrace the runhide- fight survival options. The run and hide options are lower risk, and typically far more effective. Early recognition, and a thorough understanding of their environment, empowers security officers to provide clear and immediate run or hide instructions to others before the emergency occurs.