By Editor|2019-06-04T09:58:23+00:00June 4th, 2019|Comments Off on Workplace Warning: Active Shooter Preparedness Focuses On Coworker Involvement

Workplace Warning: Active Shooter Preparedness Focuses On Coworker Involvement

Matt Doherty, a former agent for the Secret Service who used to run the Threat Assessment Center, is working to change how companies approach active shooter training, according to an article in The Washington Post. Rather than focusing on what to do after an active shooter has opened fire, he’s instead teaching people how to identify signs of risk in advance of a shooting. In many recent workplace shootings, the perpetrator had previously given indications that they were willing to commit acts of violence, whether through threats or other concerning behaviors. “That’s what we’re trying to avoid here, those warning signs,” Doherty told The Post.

The training offered by Doherty includes guidance as to different behaviors to be aware of, while also recommending companies offer ways for employees to anonymously report their concerns under the motto of “sense something, say something.” Doherty also observes that not everyone who shows odd behaviors is necessarily a threat, noting the primary purpose of reporting is the advance identification of potential risks, saying “Not every single case is the next shooter. That’s not what this exercise is about. It’s early intervention.”

Brian Harrell, the assistant director for infrastructure security at the Department of Homeland Security, offers similar views to Doherty, noting “Workplace violence doesn’t happen at random or out of the blue. Perpetrators typically display some sort of behaviors of concern. And awareness of these indicators . . . is critical to any prevention program.”

Source:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/fearing-active-shooters-companies-turn-to-workers-to-monitor-their-peers/2019/06/01/a2dae30e-70f3-11e9-8be0-ca575670e91c_story.html

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