U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Blueprint of a Bloodbath: A Tactical Training Expert Defines a Plan for Active Shooter Situations

NCJ Number
223502
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 35 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2008 Pages: 40,42,47
Author(s)
James Scanlon
Date Published
June 2008
Length
7 pages
Annotation
In this article, a tactical training expert outlines a comprehensive phased plan for active shooter situations.
Abstract
Broken down into a five-phase process, the North American SWAT Training Association (NASTA) program assists agencies in training to transform dangerous and violent situations, such as an active shooter, into those that everyone can walk away from safely. These phases include: (1) Training and Preplanning; (2) Quick Action Deployment (QUAD) training; (3) Extraction of the Injured; (4) Secure Avenue for Escape (SAFE); and (5) QUAD Training for Civilians. Active shooter situations have plagued society for decades. In recent years, the incidents have increased in frequency and evolved tactically. Many agencies have created response to active shooter plans and training models for their officers. The need for a comprehensive plan for active shooter situations is undeniable. Agencies across the nation need to plan, train, and incorporate target-hardening and electronic monitoring equipment to reduce the casualties in such an incident.