Active Shooter Incidents: Prevention, Response, and Recovery – A Full-Spectrum Approach

 

Active Shooter Incidents: Prevention, Response, and Recovery – A Full-Spectrum Approach
By John E. O’Rourke
Retired New Jersey State Trooper | Security Expert | Author | Active Threat Consultant

Active shooter incidents have become a recurring reality in modern society. From offices and schools to places of worship, hospitals, and entertainment venues, no environment is immune. As the threat continues to evolve, organizations must adopt a comprehensive approach that includes early identification, prevention, tactical response, and recovery strategies. This article outlines key phases that every institution, business, or agency should understand and prepare for.

The Pathway to Violence
Most active shooter incidents follow a well-documented behavioral progression known as the Pathway to Violence. It typically begins with a grievance, which may be real or perceived, and often stems from personal, professional, or ideological frustrations. This is followed by ideation, where the individual begins fantasizing about violence or revenge. In the planning phase, the subject researches weapons, tactics, and logistics, sometimes even documenting their intent through writings or online posts. The preparation stage includes acquiring weapons, practicing with them, and conducting surveillance on the intended target. The final step is implementation—when the individual carries out the attack.

Understanding this progression is vital. By identifying where someone is along this pathway, trained professionals can intervene before violence occurs.

Leakage and Behavioral Red Flags
One of the most important concepts in preventing mass violence is the idea of "leakage"—when a potential offender communicates intent to cause harm, directly or indirectly. Leakage can take the form of verbal threats, disturbing online posts, written manifestos, or alarming behavior at work or school.

Common red flags include withdrawal from social connections, obsessive interest in prior shootings, fascination with weapons, and visible behavioral changes such as paranoia or aggression. These signals are often visible to coworkers, classmates, friends, or family members—those most likely to intervene if they know what to look for.

Organizations should foster a “See Something, Say Something” culture. Anonymous reporting tools, employee training, and close coordination between Human Resources, Security, and Management can make a critical difference. Threat assessment teams, composed of multidisciplinary staff and external experts, should evaluate concerning behavior through a structured and evidence-based lens.

Response: Run, Hide, Fight
When an active shooter event begins, the priority becomes survival. The standard response protocol is known as “Run, Hide, Fight.” If a safe exit is available, individuals should run immediately and encourage others to do the same. If escape isn’t possible, the next best option is to hide—preferably in a secure, locked location with lights off and cell phones silenced. As a last resort, if confronted directly, individuals may need to fight back using improvised weapons and teamwork to incapacitate the shooter.

Regular training and drills can make these responses second nature. Annual exercises help employees respond more quickly and calmly, increasing the chances of survival in a high-stress situation.

Medical Response: Stop the Bleed
One of the most overlooked elements of active shooter preparedness is immediate medical care. The leading cause of preventable death in trauma situations is uncontrolled bleeding. In mass casualty events, victims may wait minutes or longer for professional medical help. During that time, trained bystanders can save lives.

Organizations should install bleeding control kits—complete with tourniquets, gauze, and gloves—throughout their facilities. These should be placed near AEDs and fire extinguishers for quick access. Employees should be trained in Stop the Bleed techniques and basic trauma care. The goal is to stabilize victims until emergency responders arrive.

Post-Incident Recovery
After the crisis has passed, the true long-term challenge begins: recovery. Active shooter incidents leave deep psychological and emotional scars, not only for victims and families but also for employees, leadership teams, and first responders.

Recovery begins with clear, compassionate communication. Leadership should offer mental health support through on-site counseling and access to professional services. Paid time off or schedule accommodations can allow staff time to process and heal. It’s also important to conduct internal debriefs—both to process trauma and to evaluate the effectiveness of the response.

Facilities must also manage the physical aftermath of a shooting. This includes professional cleaning of affected areas and potentially redesigning vulnerable spaces. Finally, organizations should review their emergency plans and make improvements based on lessons learned.

Conclusion
Active shooter incidents demand more than just tactical training. They require a holistic approach that incorporates prevention, threat identification, emergency response, trauma care, and long-term recovery. Every organization has a duty to create a culture of awareness, preparedness, and care. By addressing the entire threat spectrum, we can save lives, reduce trauma, and build safer communities.

About the Author
John E. O’Rourke is a 26-year retired veteran of the New Jersey State Police, former Director of Security for Montclair Golf Club, and a private security and law enforcement consultant. He specializes in active threat response, facility risk assessments, and emergency preparedness across the private and public sectors.

To connect with John for training, consultations, or speaking engagements, reach out directly via email: orourkeinitiatives@gmail.com.