Review of the Literature on Active Shooter/Counter Terrorism Exercises: Lessons Learned, Capability, Training, and Technology Gaps
Abstract
In 2016, the Tactical Behavior Research Laboratory was awarded a statement of work from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science and Technology Directorate, Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency, Explosives Division to conduct a review of the literature on DHS-sponsored active shooter/counter-terrorism exercises and other such events in the United States. The literature review identifies lessons learned and capability, training, and technology gaps of the responding departments based on 26 sources.The sources cited the lack of officer capability (a) to respond to every possible type of active shooter or terrorism scenario, (b) to ensure that procedures for the creation and functions of incident and unified command are followed, (c) to ensure fast and efficient interagency interoperability, (d) to ensure accurate and reliable coordination and communication under all circumstances among all personnel, units, and teams, (e) to ensure that all information to support a response is gathered quickly, (f) to quickly develop, record, and maintain at all times a complete picture of the incident, resources, personnel, and their locations, (g) to quickly and accurately locate, distinguish, and identify perpetrators and friendly forces, (h) to provide all teams of first responders personal protective equipment (PPE) that does not impede execution of tasks, and (i) to assure patient triage, transportation, and care are optimal in every situation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 22, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1082753
Entities
People
- Charles Sheridan
- Elizabeth Mezzacappa
- Gladstone Reid
- Shannon Dyer