Why Mistakes Happen During Active Shooter Incidents
Active shooter incidents are chaotic, fast-moving, and highly stressful. In these situations, people are forced to make decisions under extreme pressure, often without preparation.
Most individuals have never experienced anything similar. As a result, their reactions are driven by instinct rather than training.
Understanding the most common mistakes people make during an active shooter incident can help highlight the importance of preparedness and awareness.
Waiting Too Long to Act
One of the most common mistakes is hesitation. When something feels wrong, people often wait for confirmation before taking action.
They may:
- Assume it is a misunderstanding
- Look to others for cues
- Delay movement while trying to assess the situation
During an active shooter incident, delays can reduce available options. Early action is often critical.
Misinterpreting the Situation
In the early moments of an active shooter incident, individuals may not immediately recognize what is happening. Sounds may be mistaken for something else, and unusual behavior may be dismissed.
This misinterpretation can lead to:
- Delayed response
- Moving toward the source of danger
- Remaining in unsafe areas longer than necessary
Recognizing that something is wrong is a key part of survival awareness.
Freezing Under Pressure
The human response to extreme stress can include a temporary inability to act. This is often referred to as freezing.
When individuals freeze, they may:
- Remain in place without moving
- Struggle to make decisions
- Wait for direction from others
This response is natural, but it can increase risk in rapidly evolving situations.
Following the Crowd Without Awareness
In high-stress situations, people often follow the actions of those around them. While this can sometimes be helpful, it can also lead individuals into unsafe areas.
Crowd behavior may result in:
- Congestion in limited spaces
- Movement toward familiar but unsafe exits
- Reduced awareness of alternative options
Relying solely on others’ actions can limit decision-making.
Lack of Environmental Awareness
Many individuals are not actively aware of their surroundings in everyday situations. They may not know where exits are located or how to navigate the space quickly.
This lack of awareness can lead to:
- Difficulty identifying escape routes
- Slower movement during emergencies
- Increased confusion under pressure
Awareness developed before an incident plays a significant role in response.
Attempting to Gather More Information
Another common mistake is trying to fully understand the situation before taking action. While information is important, waiting for complete clarity can create delays.
During an active shooter incident, conditions can change quickly. Waiting for more information may result in lost time and fewer available options.
Underestimating the Speed of the Situation
Active shooter incidents often unfold much faster than people expect. Individuals may assume they have more time than they actually do.
This can result in:
- Delayed movement
- Missed opportunities to create distance
- Increased exposure to risk
Understanding the pace of these situations is critical.
Why These Mistakes Matter
These mistakes are not caused by a lack of intelligence or awareness. They are the result of normal human responses to abnormal situations.
However, in high-risk environments, these natural reactions can increase vulnerability.
Prepared individuals are more likely to recognize these tendencies and respond differently.
The Takeaway
Active shooter incidents create conditions where hesitation, confusion, and instinct-driven reactions can lead to critical mistakes. Understanding these common errors highlights the importance of preparation and awareness.
When individuals are better prepared, they are more likely to recognize threats, act more quickly, and avoid the behaviors that increase risk.
A.L.I.V.E. provides active shooter preparedness training designed to help individuals move beyond instinctive reactions and develop the awareness and decision-making skills needed to respond effectively in real-world situations.
About the Author
Michael D. Julian is President of MPS Security & Protection and a 30-plus-year veteran of the security and investigations industry. He served as President of the California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI) from 2005 to 2015 and has led executive protection, residential security, and corporate investigations engagements for Fortune 500 principals, high-net-worth families, and public figures across the United States. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn.