Attacks against facilities can come in a variety of forms, including the more prominent active shooter scenarios through to lesser used tactics of knife and vehicular attacks. Regardless of the method, schools remain one of the most vulnerable places due to their very nature of being welcoming and communal. As a result, it is essential that school staff are prepared to respond to any attack scenario through a continuous cycle of assessment, preparation, implementation, and review. While we stress that attacks come in many forms, and evolve along with societal trends, we will utilize the more familiar expression of Active Shooter throughout this course for the purpose of learning through recognition of terms.

It is crucial for schools to not just formulate and implement specific guidelines and best practices about what to do in case of an active shooting event, but also practice, review, and refine. This involves everything from promoting a culture of acceptance and discipline, to identification and engagement with potential active shooters, to knowing what to do after an incident occurs. By educating staff and students on these important measures, schools can take proactive steps to create a safer environment and minimize the risk of harm.