A Comprehensive Study of Police Preparedness and Training for Effectively Responding to and Stopping Active Shooters in the U.S

Active shootings are an unfortunate part of society that negatively impacts Americans emotionally, financially, and physically. Mass killings have prompted police agencies to evaluate training and response tactics for stopping active shooters. Empirical research on training and preparing police officers how to respond to and to stop active shooters is non-existent. This study sought to measure the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (FBINA) graduates' perceptions of training practices used to prepare police officers to effectively respond to and stop active shooters in the United States. The FBINA graduates for this study represented police agencies in Delaware, Maryland, and eastern Pennsylvania. This quantitative research study used a pre-established survey instrument to collect data from participants. The survey instrument was modified with permission. A five-point Likert scale was used to measure the perceptions of the participants. Results indicated that some police agencies are not mandating its officers to participate in active shooter training and/or practical scenario-based training annually. Many of the respondent agencies have existing active shooter plans and/or policies. Most respondent agencies have radio communications interoperability with bordering jurisdictions, while slightly over half participate in intra and interagency active shooter training. Many of the participants indicated they were issued tactical response equipment. This study has provided a picture of what police agencies in Delaware, Maryland, and eastern Pennsylvania are doing to prepare its officers to for active shooting events.