Preparing for an Active Shooter

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Last month we talked about ways to evaluate your church’s readiness for an active shooter.  Today, I want to revisit the subject of an active shooter and discuss a bit more in-depth preparations for protecting your people against an active shooter. 

First, let’s define what an active shooter is.  An active shooter is a person whose action is immediately causing death or great bodily injury.  Once an active shooter has begun his attack he will continue his action until stopped. There may be several possible motives for this person’s actions:

1) Revenge

2) Hatred, marital issues, congregational disputes, physical/mental illness, financial troubles or simply just mad at the world.

3) Honestly, it could be just about anything creating stress in this person’s life and no apparent solution seen.

Unless this person communicates directly his intent, predicting an active shooter incident is difficult.  It’s even more difficult in a large congregation.  The majority of active shooters are in the 19-50 year old age range and predominately male.  Before the attack they may think about it or plan their attack for weeks or even months.  Their most likely choice for day of the attack will be on Sunday during the service.  The greater percentage of these attacks are ended by suicide or intervention by someone in the building.  Regardless, it will usually be finished before the police arrive. 

Let’s consider planning.  Of course, you will initially have an assessment done, either a self-assessment or an in-depth security assessment done by someone qualified.  First, here is a basic list of key assessment topics:

1) Size and layout of facility

2) Internal & external risk factors

3) Lock down capability

4) Number of exits

5) Location of children ministries

6) Pre-established emergency response protocols

7) Training for congregation, staff, & security team

8) Methods of communications

9) Know approximate Police & Medic response times

You need to promote better awareness in your congregation.  You must be proactive about engaging your congregation.  In a larger congregation you may want to promote awareness through your small groups.  Smaller congregations can be reached as a whole or through brochures and newsletters.

During an active shooter incident include recommended course of action such as:

1) Get away if safe to do so

2) Call for help

3) If unable to get out, attempt to hide horizontally.

4) If possible, lock door

5) If face to face, draw weapon and engage shooter

Post-shooter suggestions:

1) Counseling and prayer time

2) Cooperate with law enforcement.  Officers may need to interview witnesses

You want to prepare your key staff members.  Here are some applicable key staff option:

1) Identify location of threat

2) Alert others

3) Call 911 then seek shelter or lockdown in place

4) Lock doors and/or blockade with furniture

5) Turn lights off

6) Provide leadership to those trapped inside. Have them hide behind or between furniture

7) Tell congregants not to huddle together

If you are outdoors tell congregation/children to:

1) Seek shelter in nearby building

If no practicable:

1) Run in opposite/safe direction

2) Spread out in small groups

3) Run between objects

4) When arriving at safe place stay there!

When a shooter enters your location congregation should implement safety options while applicable staff should consider following factors:

1) Shooter’s distance from staff, congregation, & children

2) Key staff/others close to shooter should act

3) Call 911 as soon as possible If evacuation is necessary key staff should guide people to assembly positions and make an immediate count.  As soon as possible begin counseling: prayer and encouragement.  If you have an internal security team you will need to consider whether to be plain clothes or wear uniforms.  A security committee will need to be established that will decide the number of armed personnel and establish a "use of force" policy.

Here are some final thoughts: You will want to consider having advanced first aid training for key staff, pre-plan multiple exit points and make sure each point has exit signs installed.  Always maintain staff presence in lobby during the service, and have consider having someone monitor the parking lot.

Be safe!

Russ Sharrock



I have made available to you a FREE Do-it-Yourself assessment form.  For a copy of the form, or if you have any questions, you can contact me at:

Integrity Security Consulting

Russ Sharrock

405-762-2471 | integrityseccon@hotmail.com