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Released June 24th, 2024, the FBI’s Active Shooter Report for 2023 offers vital insights into the nature and frequency of active shooter incidents in the United States. Understanding these findings is crucial for school administrators and law enforcement officials tasked with ensuring the safety of students and staff.
This blog provides a detailed overview of the key findings, their implications, and actionable strategies for improving school safety based on the report.
Key Findings
The FBI identified 48 active shooter incidents in 2023, a slight decrease from 2022 but a significant increase compared to 2019. Locations ranged from open spaces to places of commerce, education, healthcare, and residences. These incidents resulted in 244 casualties, including 105 fatalities and 139 injuries. The majority of incidents occurred in open spaces, with educational institutions accounting for 3 incidents.
Summary of Primary Findings
The report outlines several critical statistics:
- 244 casualties, including 105 killed and 139 wounded.
- Two law enforcement officers killed and twelve wounded.
- California had the most incidents (eight), followed by Texas and Washington.
- April had the highest number of incidents (seven).
- Incidents were more likely to occur between noon and 11:59 p.m.
- Number of incidents by location category:
- Open space: 28
- Commerce: 14
- Education: 3
- Health care: 2
- Residence: 1
Significance for School Safety
While schools represented a smaller percentage of the locations where incidents took place, the implications for educational institutions are profound. Preparedness and proactive measures are key to helping mitigate the impact of potential active shooter situations.
The findings from the FBI’s report provide valuable insights into how schools and law enforcement can enhance their preparedness and response strategies.
Practical Advice for Schools
Schools can take several proactive steps to improve safety:
- Implement comprehensive training programs for staff and students.
- Develop and regularly update emergency response plans.
- Invest in technology that enhances surveillance and communication.
Role of Technology
Technology plays a crucial role in modern safety measures. Advanced surveillance systems, automated alert systems, and real-time communication tools can significantly enhance a school’s ability to respond to an active shooter incident. When combined with a fully integrated system, these technologies can provide valuable information to law enforcement and help them quickly locate and neutralize the threat.
Additionally, technology can aid in preventative measures. Identifying and cataloging low-level concerns— behaviors that give us pause and take notice that something isn’t quite right—gives schools the power to address issues early. When presented in a secure, centralized software, school counselors can access a more complete view of a student who may need help.
That’s what Raptor StudentSafe™ offers.
When a concern escalates to requiring a Behavioral Threat Assessment (BTA), authorized team members can access a student’s chronology within StudentSafe to understand prior concerns, threat assessments, interventions, progress and more. This can help teams identify root causes for threatening behavior more quickly.
From task support to safety planning, the ability for teams to collaborate cannot be understated. StudentSafe provides a secure, centralized workspace where teams can share information, assign tasks, set reminders and document progress.
Effective Communication
In any emergency, communication is key. Schools must have a reliable system in place for notifying staff, students, and parents about an active shooter incident. This can include mass text messages, automated phone calls, or alerts through mobile applications.
Furthermore, schools should consider establishing a designated communication station during an emergency to ensure accurate and timely messaging to all parties involved.
Exclusive collaboration between Raptor and RapidSOS provides enhanced communication and notification methods during active assailant emergencies. Priority routing and supplementary calls via 911 ensure rapid response and coordination during critical incidents.
Raptor Alert app also facilitates privileged chat functionality during active assailant incidents, connecting various stakeholders including first responder agencies, the school, and incident commanders in real-time communication.
Collaboration between Law Enforcement and Schools
To effectively respond to an active shooter situation, schools must have a strong partnership with local law enforcement. This can involve regular training and drills to prepare for potential incidents and open communication channels between school administrators and police.
Schools can also work with law enforcement to conduct threat assessments and identify potential warning signs from students. These may include changes in behavior, social media posts, or other red flags that could indicate a student is planning an attack.
Community Involvement
Community involvement is essential for creating a safe environment. Schools should engage with parents, local law enforcement, and community organizations to develop a cohesive safety strategy.
Prevent: Lessons Learned from Active Shooter Events
The FBI’s 2023 active shooter report highlights the ongoing threat of active shooter incidents in the United States. By understanding the key findings and their implications, schools and law enforcement can take proactive measures to enhance safety and protect lives.
For more insights, read Raptor’s free guide, Prevent: Lessons Learned from Active Shooter Events.
Related Resources
The tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018 brought this issue into sharp focus, leading to significant legislative changes. One such development is Alyssa’s Law. Learn more
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