Enter to Win: July Free Gun Friday: Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical & Caldwell AR500 Automatic Resetting Target Close It is obvious that mass shootings are a problem in our country. Personal Defense World is actively investigating the topic of mass shooting response. We recently spoke with CONTROLLED F.O.R.C.E. instructors. We wanted to hear their thoughts on mass shootings in the United States. RELATED STORY Guns save lives & Gun Control makes law-abiding citizens unsafe The Realities a Mass Shooter Event This article hits too close to home. Yesterday was my son’s 22nd Birthday Party. His stepfather sat next to me looking tired and lost. He looked at me and said, “It’s been an exhausting, rough day.” I asked him if it was from the office. He replied, “No, my stepfather is not coming from the office. My daughter is a bartender at Playo’s Nightclub, Gary Indiana. Someone walked in and shot up the place this morning while she was working.” We both thank God that his stepsister, my children’s stepmother, is okay, but she is traumatized. People she knew, people that were shot to death–her friends and their families were not so fortunate. As of this morning (6/13/22), the news is filled with information and reports about the shooting. This must stop. People may say that Gary opened fire so that is to be expected. They are wrong. People wouldn’t have been having a great time and enjoying themselves when the suspect opened fire. Mass shootings and attacks are all too common and should not be ignored. The mentally and emotionally unstable are increasingly targeting schools, churches, nightclubs, and other places of worship in all classes of neighborhoods. No matter what the cause of these horrific acts of violence, the end result is the same: someone died because they didn’t have to. An honest look at current responses. Today’s article features a group of tactical instructors who have military or law enforcement backgrounds. We dive into the round-table discussion to discuss what law enforcement agencies are doing well and offer suggestions on how they can improve their response to mass shooter situations. This is a difficult topic, so I’ll introduce you to the team today. Personal Defense World: Hello guys, thank you for joining us. Please introduce yourself and tell me about your views on school shootings, public mass shootings, gun violence, and law enforcement. Aaron: My name Aaron “Moose Murauskas. I am the Senior Director for Administration and a Master Instructor at Controlled F.O.R.C.E. Inc. Rob: My name’s Rob Sarra. I am the State and Local Education Manager as well as the Firearms, tactics and situational awareness Instructor at Controlled F.O.R.C.E. Jeff: My name’s Jeff Patterson. I served 10 years in the United States Air Force. I was also a Homeland Security contractor. I have been a patrol officer with IMPD for 24 years. I am a Defensive Techniques Instructor and Use of Force subject matter expert. I currently teach Active Shooter, Situational Awareness and Verbal De-escalation classes. PDW: What are your military and law enforcement experiences? Aaron: I am a Law Enforcement officer. I have worked in various state and municipal agencies. Additionally, I have served in multiple capacities, including Patrol, Detective SWAT, RRT and Administration. Jeff: Jeff, that was a question I already answered. Johnny, don’t hit me! *laughs* Rob: Both! 10 years US Marine Corps Infantry-Combat veteran, Iraq 2003. I am also an Illinois Law Enforcement Officer and currently work in a small suburban Chicago as a part-time officer. PDW: Let’s get to it. Since the dawn of the 21st Century, there have been nearly three hundred school shootings across the United States. There are many mental illnesses out there. Thoughts? Jeff: It has a lot of to do with mental health. It’s a shame that social media is also a problem. One mass murder is enough. Rob: One school shooting can be too many. Aaron: There are too many mass shootings in public. There are too many families that mourn the loss of their loved ones. PDW: Do you think that law enforcement officers/departments are doing a good job in preparing for an active shooter? Rob: I am an active-duty Law Enforcement Officer and a training officer, focusing on firearms and tactics. This includes a rapid response. But I believe that there is always more to be done. After Columbine High School, we saw a huge shift in our response tactics. The norm was “set the perimeter, wait for SWAT.” That tactic led to Columbine’s murder of thirteen people and injuring 21 others. This led to the “Rapid Deployment” concept. Today, departments receive excellent training at the lowest officer levels in basic tactics. This allows them to respond quickly to mass killings and prevent further damage. This has also led RTF (Rescue Task Force), which involves multiple jurisdictions and fire department working together in scenario-based training. Aaron: Training Boards and Leadership are doing well in acquiring equipment, as well as strategizing response plans. There is also a strong focus on technology and tools to assist in response. Officers are also seeking training to complement approved courses by the Department and Training Board. Jeff: I believe most departments provide the same training to their officers. There is only so much a department can do for the average street police officer with budget cuts, mandatory training, and time constraints. It all comes down to each officer and the decisions made at the time. PDW: What are their strengths? Aaron: Make training deliberate. They should practice with the tools and technologies they use. They should focus on integrating information from multiple sources and creating training iterations that combine skills in many key areas. To test their capabilities, they should include as many stakeholders as possible when running a scenario-based school shoot exercise. Rob: There are always opportunities for improvement in policing. Although there are already improvements to be made in research and implementation of new techniques, it is still possible to improve. Officers shouldn’t just “check off the boxes” when it comes to training for these types of incidents. Line supervisors, instructors and administrative leadership must ensure that every officer has the mindset and proficiency to respond to these situations. Jeff: I believe that departments do what they can. Even though shootings can be so terrible (and they wouldn’t just say that), it would be difficult for departments to make Active Shooting or any other subject a priority. PDW: Let’s move on. What do you think schools are doing well when it comes to preparing/responding, or training their staff to respond, to a Mass Shooter? Aaron: This is a difficult question. They are investing in security systems and supporting infrastructures and training staff on response actions. Jeff: Schools have made it a priority to ensure visitors only enter through one main/locked entrance point and are now hiring School Resource Officers. Schools should make it a priority for all exterior doors to be locked and secured. There should also be consequences for anyone who leaves them open. Rob: I believe the “appearance”, of preparation and response, is there. The practices themselves are not good enough. It is useless to put security measures in place and then not enforce them. PDW: What can they do better? Rob: Let teachers, students, staff and administrators take control of their security. Close any propped doors and report them to someone. Tell someone if a student or staff member is acting “off”. Aaron: Empower students, faculty, staff to take action and create a culture that promotes security. To address any potential safety breaches, you can use a Behavioral Threat Assessment team. You should test your access control systems. If the door is not propped, even the best access control measures will be compromised. Public/private partnerships can also be used to increase security presence and establish the aforementioned. It is not uncommon for universities to employ private security to support campus safety operations, especially when they are located in large urban areas that are prone to gun violence and mass shootings. PDW: What training does the Police Department typically use? Aaron: What training do Police Departments use? There are many training programs that focus solely on response tactics. This could be done in partnership with an external entity or by certifying their own personnel through a train the trainer program. Some departments will give a cadre a concurrent task to help them create a training platform. Jeff: The initial training is at the recruit/basic level. Here, departments use lectures and scenario-based training. Usually taught by SWAT/Tactical officers. Rob: Police departments can provide a variety of training, including tactical response, de-escalation, defensive techniques, and so forth. Every officer must comply with the training mandates of each state for in-service training. If you are looking for Active Threat tactical training, there are many standards. PDW: What type of training should they include? Aaron: Training that emphasizes skill development. An officer should not be pondering which tactics to use (RRID, MACTAC etc.). When a shooting occurs, an Officer should not be pondering on tactics to use (RRID, MACTAC, etc.). They need to be focused on the task at-hand and the skills that will help them get there. Training should be fluid to measure comprehension, integration and the culmination or exercises to test. It is always a good idea to get additional stress vaccinations. Rob: Yes, stress-induced training. Jeff: Scenario-based training has been a huge success. Problem with larger departments is the inability to train and lack of resources to do this type of training. PDW: What type of training would be most useful for school staff or security personnel? Jeff: School staff should be trained in Situational Awareness. From front office staff to maintenance personnel. Everyone has a part to play. Rob: Mass Shooter response, and communication with responding law enforcement. The onsite security staff member or professional will be our eyes and ears until we reach the building. Aaron: School shooting response strategies. Situational awareness, de-escalation, and self-defense are some of the deeper levels. PDW: What’s the worst perception of law enforcement and school shootings by the public? Rob: Police are currently in a “damned-if we do, damned, if not” position with the public. Police have been and continue to be painted with a broad brush. Decisions made in a split second can be second-guessed, and opinions formed without knowing all facts. These “opinions” are then shared on the internet and become “fact.” Jeff. Aaron: This perception is being experienced by the police right now. Current events don’t help. Police have had a difficult 2 years. Every incident is either too much, too soon, or too little, too late. Aaron: They can take on a part of this responsibility and hold themselves accountable. There are financial and complicated decisions to be made. I have witnessed schools close their security departments to make it easier to finance a football stadium. Then, later, gun violence occurred. The success of a school is in the hands of the community, parents, and local businesses. They should be deliberate about taking actions that support that idea. Rob: Talk to your school administrators about safety. Ask your school administrators what is being done for your safety. If you don’t get the answers you need or something isn’t right, contact the school board. Jeff: Attend Citizen Academies to see what it’s like for officers. PDW: Do you have any final words of wisdom for our readers? Jeff: While police play a crucial role in Mass Shooter events. But what can facilities do to prevent these events from happening? We need to take a real look at hardening facilities/businesses/schools and arming staff at these locations. Aaron: If you find yourself in any of these situations, it is important to let go of your thoughts and concentrate on the task at hand. Start with the most difficult task first. Rob: Take up training. Situational awareness is a skill that can be used in everyday life. The effectiveness of medical training, such as “stop the bleeding” courses, has been proven to save lives. Immediately act if you are in an emergency. Do something. It is important to stay on the scene (if possible), call 911, and give clear and concise information to the dispatcher for responding officers and medical personnel. Personal Defense World would like CONTROLLED F.O.R.C.E. to be thanked. Thank you for taking the time and talking to us about the sensitive topic of mass shooter response. We value your honesty and willingness to share your knowledge and experience with our readers. Sign up for the Personal Defense World newsletter today to stay in the loop! Sign up for our newsletter I have read and understood the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy and I hereby accept them. Athlon may collect, store, process, and transfer my Personal Data and Non-Personal Data for the purpose of signing me up for our newsletter. Up Next Why Gun Control Is Racist. A history of gun control in America, where those calling… by Lauren Young / Jul 6, 2022 WATCH RESOLVING ZONE: Season 2 TrendingMass shooter response round-table with CONTROLLED. 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