Over the past decade, the frequency of active shooter incidents has surged at an alarming rate. According to data from the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, active shooter events have increased by more than 96% in the last 10 years. In 2014, there were 20 reported active shooter incidents in the United States – by 2023, that number had climbed to 40. The rising trend shows no signs of slowing down, with mass shootings and targeted attacks becoming tragically common in schools, workplaces, and public venues across the country.
Sobering Statistics
- Between 2014 and 2019, the annual average of active shooter incidents increased by 66% compared to the previous five years.
- In 2023 alone, there were over 650 mass shooting events, a dramatic increase from the 417 recorded in 2019.
- Workplace shootings now account for nearly 45% of all active shooter incidents, emphasizing the urgent need for businesses to implement preparedness training.
The numbers paint a chilling picture: active shooter events are not only becoming more frequent, but they are also becoming deadlier. While law enforcement response times have improved, the reality is that the first few minutes of an attack are critical – and survival often depends on the actions of those present.
Why Active Shooter Survival Training Is Essential
When faced with an active shooter situation, people often freeze, panic, or make life-threatening mistakes due to fear and lack of preparation. The A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training program was designed to give individuals the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills they need to react quickly and effectively during an attack.
A.L.I.V.E. (Assess, Leave, Impede, Violence, Expose) provides a step-by-step framework that empowers individuals to:
- Assess the situation immediately and identify escape routes.
- Leave the area quickly and safely if possible.
- Impede the attacker’s progress by barricading doors and creating obstacles.
- Use Violence as a last resort to stop the threat.
- Expose yourself to law enforcement properly to avoid being mistaken for the threat.
The Cost of Inaction
Too often, organizations believe “it won’t happen here” – until it does. Lawsuits against companies for failing to adequately prepare their employees for workplace violence have been on the rise, with settlements and judgments reaching into the millions. Beyond the financial cost, the loss of life, trauma, and reputational damage can be devastating.
Active shooter survival training isn’t just a precaution – it’s a critical investment in safety that could save lives.
Take Action Today – Protect Your People with A.L.I.V.E.
No one wants to imagine facing an active shooter, but preparing for the worst is the only way to ensure the best possible outcome. Whether you’re a business leader, school administrator, or concerned individual, A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training provides life-saving tools and confidence when seconds matter most.
Take the first step toward a safer future – schedule your A.L.I.V.E. training today.
👉 Contact Us Today to learn more and book your training session.
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.