ACTIVE SHOOTER, ARE WE REALLY READY…

I would surmise that most; if not all, police departments around the country are genetically made up of the same DNA.  Let me explain.  Given the characteristics of an active shooter, I would stake my reputation to say that most police departments around the country would react in the same matter given the same set of circumstances and current training methods. Whether it be in Orlando FL, Dallas Texas, Any town USA,

In the “heat of the moment”, most, if not all police officers in the field and would run towards the danger in an effort to engage and extinguish the threat.  That of course is a very honorable thing to do and why we all signed up to do the job, to get involved and “get the bad guy!”  But someone in the organization “must” take a step back and ensure the safety of those that run towards the danger.  If you can’t take care of yourselves, you can’t help anyone…that ladies and gentlemen is called supervision or Command and Control. 

If you are reading this post, and are currently in the business, I want you to really think about your actions as you arrived on that scene.  The Incident Command System, (ICS), tells us that the first arriving person on the scene shall act as the Incident Commander, (IC) until such time as relieved by a higher ranking official or a person of more/better qualifications.  Now I want you to honestly ask yourself, as a supervisor, did you take charge, or did you “run towards the threat” to extinguish the fire.  

Believe me I know it’s hard to stay on the outer fringes and not get your hands dirty.  But someone has to look out for us.  As the first arriving supervisor it is your duty to:

• Ensure that the threat is addressed
• Keep first responders and civilian’s safe
• Contain the threats from spreading and harming others
• Call in the right resources to handle the event.

That’s a pretty simple laundry list of duties for the IC.  Supervisors and commanders, don’t lose sight of who you are within your organization.  Do your job, keep your people safe and make sure they all get to go home at the end of their watch.  God speed.  Stay Safe, TRAIN BETTER, and always be prepared…

Lt. Raul (Chewy) Martinez, Ret.

The H.E.R.O. Consultant Group, LLC

Helping Emergency Responders Operate

Cell: 305-546-0285

Fax: 305-554-7663

URL: www.heroconsultantgroup.com