Written by Amanda Coers – Brownwood Assistant Police Chief James Fuller led the Citizens’ Police Academy class on Tuesday, March 21st in a topic that has become a far-too-often headline: Active Shooter Events. According to the FBI, there has been a rise over the past few years in active shooter events, both 2014 and 2015 each saw 20 documented incidents nationwide. A previous study cited by the FBI found that between 2000 and 2006, an average of 6.4 incidents occurred. Between 2007 and 2013 that average increased to 16.4 incidents annually.

graphic from ABC News

Police tactics have evolved dramatically in the wake of tragic events like the Columbine Shooting. In years past, patrol officers would arrive on the scene and secure the perimeter while awaiting SWAT teams to breach the building. Today, departments across the nation are now equipping their officers with the necessary training to enter the scene immediately and stop the threat.

 

With this new approach comes the realization that officers are not the only ones who can take action during these situations. Since 2002, the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT)™ Program at Texas State University has been used to train law enforcement officers across the nation in how to rapidly respond to dangerous active threat situations. As a result of increased public awareness, many citizens have asked what individuals can do protect themselves and reduce the dangers faced during one of these events. Avoid | Deny |Defend™ has been developed as an easy to remember method for individuals to follow.

Brownwood Police Chief Terry Nichols was a founding member of the ALERRT program from 2000 to 2005, and served as the Director of Curriculum Development for the ALERRT program from 2015-2016. He has brought his expertise to our community and through the Brownwood Police Department, has offered courses for local businesses and organizations regarding a citizen’s response to active shooting events.

During the Citizens’ Police Academy class on Tuesday, Assistant Chief Fuller led the session, giving a breakdown of the Avoid, Deny, Defend, or ADD, method.

The following video was shown in class:

In a situation that could easily throw even the most level-headed into chaos, the ADD method is relatively easy to understand and implement.

  • A – Avoid: Quite simply, avoid the shooter. Get out. The best way to do this is to always be aware of your surroundings. Know your exits, and pay attention to your surroundings. Once you suspect there might be an active shooter in the building, leave. It’s human nature to want to deny what’s happening, but the sooner you realize it is and take action to leave, the better your chances are of surviving an incident.
  • D – Deny: If escaping is not an option at any point, deny the shooter access to your location. Close and lock doors, create barricades, turn off the lights, remain out of sight and quiet by hiding behind large objects and silence your phone.
  • D – Defend: If the worst should happen and you’re unable to leave or stop the shooter from reaching your location, it’s time to fight. Be aggressive and committed to your actions and do not fight fairly. Look for anything that can be used as a weapon near you and utilize it. Target your attacks towards the shooter’s eyes, groin, and other weak areas. Don’t stop fighting until the shooter has been stopped.

The Citizens’ Police Academy class was encouraged to share this information with their friends, families, and coworkers. We also encourage our readers to share this information to better equip our community should the unthinkable happen.