School staff and business managers have recurrent experiences with angry and potentially assaultive students and
employees. Understanding the warning signs and preventive behavior reduces vulnerabilities. Knowing how to
respond effectively can minimize casualties during violent situations.
Past incidents have shown that immediate action by people on scene is the most effective way to stop the
violence. A decisive and proactive response will increase the chances of survival. Pre-incident training can
significantly improve prevention and response capabilities.
The ACT Cert™ Violence Prevention & Active Shooter Survival course teaches effective Prevention & Response. The course addresses the essential functions of the “First Preventers” in recognizing risks and reporting early warning signs of violence. Best practices on how to effectively implement security measures to deter potential attackers and improve preparedness are also taught.
The course also explicitly addresses the crucial role of the “On-Location Responders” (staff, faculty, management
and campus security) during the initial moments of an Active Shooter incident prior to law enforcement intervention, when most casualties occur (the first 10 minutes).
This course covers early identification of warning signs, recognition of potentially dangerous situations; environmental factors associated with violence risk and advanced security awareness skills. Knowing what to expect during Active Shooter incidents and safe interaction and communication with responding officers are also taught. Participants learn how to rapidly assess the threat, use cover, and evacuate safely when possible, and how to barricade and hide from the shooter. Step-by-step instructions for fighting and disarming the shooter and last resort survival measures are clearly demonstrated.
In the ACT Cert™ Violence Prevention & Active Shooter Survival course you will learn:
To understand mass violence
- The Critical Time Gap (CTG) and its importance
- The 4 phases of the Violence Escalation Process
- Identification of concealed and disguised weapons
- Recognizing risk factors among students and employees
- The warning signs of danger - predicting imminent attacks
- Definitions and distinctions of internal and external threats
- Who are the violent ones? - Violence tendency behavioral indicators
- In depth case studies and statistics of Active Shooter and terrorist incidents
- Threat assessment – understanding the attack planning and preparation cycle
- How do violent people attack? - Most common tactics used by Active Shooters
To lessen the likelihood of violence
- Reporting suspicious activities
- Information sharing guidelines
- Cultivating the Survival Mindset
- Identifying surveillance attempts
- Security planning and procedures
- Bomb threat management guidelines
- Hostile intent detection and evaluation
- Crisis communication skills and challenges
- De-escalation and regulation of a violent confrontation
- Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
- Law enforcement liaisons - building on community partnerships
To respond to violent situations
- Recognize the sound of gunfire and determine the location of shooter(s)
- Hiding techniques, Lockdown procedures and office / room barricading
- Safe evacuation procedures for active shooter and terrorist incidents
- Simple and effective Last Resort Active Shooter Survival Measures
- Safe reunification zones and procedures
- Lock Down and barricading procedures
- Safe interaction with First Responders
The ACT Cert™ Violence Prevention & Active Shooter Survival course is comprised of 6 interactive learning modules and a test. A passing grade on the test results in certification for the taker.
- Trends & Potentials
- Indicators & Warnings
- Prevention
- Preparedness
- Response
- Last Resort Survival
- Testing & Certification