Education, Prevention, and Mitigation

for Violence in the Workplace

The FBI defines an active shooter as one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area. Implicit in this definition is the shooter's use of one or more firearms.

Law Enforcement’s immediate priority in an active shooter incident is to Stop the Active Shooter! Police and armed security officers today are trained and prepared to move towards the sound of gunfire and violence. Officers put their lives on the line to keep us safe and save human lives. If the shooter is actively engaged in killing others and not surrendering, police will use deadly force to stop the attacker.

Armed officers will proceed to the area where the last gunshots were heard. Their priority is to eliminate the threat. Police and armed security entry teams may wear bulletproof vests, helmets, and other tactical equipment. They will be armed with rifles, shotguns, and/or handguns. They will shout verbal commands and push individuals to the ground if needed for their safety.

Rules #7 – Law Enforcement Arrives:

Be Submissive, Expose Your Palms, and Do What They Tell You to Do.

Drop any Items in Your Hands

Police and security officers are trained to watch the hands—because what is in the hands can hurt them or kill them. Make sure your hands are visible and there is nothing in them.



Raise Hands and Spread Fingers

With your hands raised and fingers spread open, there will be no reason to believe YOU are a danger to the police. This message is universally accepted as a sign of submission.



Remain Calm and DO WHAT THEY TELL YOU!

This can’t be overemphasized. Do what they tell you to do!

Avoid Quick or Sudden Movements

Any quick or sudden movement could be mistaken as an act of aggression. Officers do not know what type of hostile environment they may be moving into. Display submission!



Avoid Pointing, Screaming, or Yelling

Pointing, screaming, and yelling may be confusing to the officers and appear aggressive. Do your best to avoid this behavior.



Proceed in the Direction from Which Officers are Entering

Whichever way the officers are coming from will be safe. They may or may not direct you in that direction. They may want you to stay put. Whatever they want you to do, do it!



Go to a Safe Location!

If law enforcement directs you to leave, go to a safe location. Your agency may mandate this in procedures for emergent situations such as active shooter, fire, hazmat, tornado, earthquake, etc.

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Increase your awareness, preparedness, and responses for an active shooter. This email is a brief overview on one of the Rules for Surviving an Active Shooter. AVADE® provides in-depth training on active shooters and how to survive this extreme violence.  

Register for training today or bring AVADE® Training to your organization.