Assessing Vulnerabilities for Active Shooter Events: Identifying Issues for People to Avoid, Deny, and Defend.

• In Event: Understanding and Preventing Gun Violence and Other Forms of Harm

Abstract

Active shooter incidents are an unfortunate part of life in America, one that law enforcement is not equipped to prevent. Instead, much of the efforts to reduce the harm of active shooter incidents focus on reducing the vulnerability of people in public spaces. Relying on the Avoid, Deny, Defend framework, students in a crime analysis class studied their college campus to determine what about the public spaces provided ways for people to avoid an active shooter, deny them access, or potentially defend the space if breached. This research has implications for how law enforcement and community partners can help people to prepare for when the worst happens.

Author

• Morgan Steele, Fort Hays State University