Exploring Environmental Constraints on Evasion During Mass School Shootings: An Interactions Based Approach

• In Event: Bystander Behavior and Intervention Strategies in Contexts of Violence

Abstract

Using situational crime prevention (SCP) and CPTED frameworks, this study examines how interactions between shooters and victims are shaped by the environment and perpetrator actions. We developed an open-source database of interactions and confrontations among shooters, witnesses, and victims from four mass school shootings to evaluate how shooter behavior and environmental characteristics constrained victim evasion choices. Preliminary results suggest that shooters frequently return to familiar spaces and familiar victims. The evolution and escalation of interactions throughout the shooting further suggest that the success of run, hide, fight strategies may change over time. In addition to environmental characteristics, victims’ decision making appears to be influenced by the evasion strategies of other nearby victims and witnesses. SCP could offer additional evasion strategies to victims with constrained choices.

Authors

• Grace Phelps, University of Maryland

• Emily Greene-Colozzi, University of Massachusetts Lowell