"Michael Julian has written an excellent book. Practical, detailed, and a potential life saver if you find yourself in the midst of a targeted attack."
Active Threat Detection: Why Early Awareness Saves Lives
When it comes to preventing violence, seconds—and sometimes even subtle signals—make all the difference. Most active shooter or active threat situations don’t happen without warning. Research shows that in nearly every case, attackers displayed concerning behaviors or shared threats beforehand. The challenge is that too often, these red flags go unnoticed or unreported.
That’s where active threat detection training comes in. At A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training, we emphasize not only how to survive an attack, but also how to recognize danger early—so it may never escalate in the first place.
What Is Active Threat Detection?
Active threat detection is the practice of identifying warning signs, behaviors, and circumstances that could indicate someone is preparing to commit violence. These signals may include:
- Direct or indirect threats (spoken, written, or online)
- Sudden, extreme changes in behavior or appearance
- Obsession with weapons, past attacks, or violent ideologies
- Withdrawal from social circles and expressions of hopelessness
- Conflict at work, school, or in personal life that escalates without resolution
The goal isn’t to stigmatize individuals—it’s to recognize patterns that, when left unchecked, could lead to tragedy.
Why Early Detection Matters
According to the U.S. Secret Service, in 93% of mass attacks, someone close to the attacker noticed concerning behaviors ahead of time. Too often, people dismiss these red flags or don’t know how to respond.
Early detection and reporting can:
- Prevent attacks before they occur
- Give law enforcement more time to intervene
- Provide individuals at risk with support or resources
- Save lives and reduce trauma within organizations and communities
The A.L.I.V.E. Advantage
While many programs focus only on how to react during an incident, A.L.I.V.E. integrates threat detection and prevention into its training. We teach organizations and individuals how to:
- Recognize the behaviors that may signal an emerging threat
- Build communication channels to safely report concerns
- Establish a culture of awareness and preparedness
- Pair detection skills with the A.L.I.V.E. survival method (Assess, Leave, Impede, Violence, Expose) for comprehensive protection
This proactive approach ensures employees, students, and community members are empowered to act both before and during an active threat situation.
Protect Your People with Training That Goes Beyond Survival
Active threat detection isn’t about living in fear—it’s about being prepared. By learning to recognize early warning signs, organizations can stop violence before it starts and save countless lives in the process.
Awareness saves lives. Training makes it possible.
Hear From An A.L.I.V.E. Student Survivor Of The Las Vegas Massacre
"As a retired 32 year law enforcement veteran, with several years of SWAT and tactical experience, I learned some different unique perspectives as it pertains to civilians dealing with active threat situations. Very good class for civilians who may have never experienced reacting to a life and death stressful situation."
- Christopher C.
A.L.I.V.E. STANDS FOR:
Assess
Assess the situation quickly
Leave
Leave the area if you can
Impede
Impede the shooter
Violence
Violence may be necessary
Expose
Expose your position carefully for safety
INDUSTRIES WE SERVE
Corporations
Government
Healthcare
Places of worship
Schools & Universities
Venues
MICHAEL JULIAN
Creator of A.L.I.V.E.
A.L.I.V.E., which stands for Assess, Leave, Impede, Violence, and Expose, was created in 2014 when Michael began teaching his Active Shooter Survival philosophy throughout the United States. His book on the subject, 10 Minutes to Live: Surviving an Active Shooter Using A.L.I.V.E. was published in 2017 and the online version of the A.L.I.V.E. Training Program was launched in 2019 and is now part of the corporate security training program for companies throughout the world.
Why A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter
Survival Training Program?
The A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training Program is a comprehensive training program designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to survive an active shooter incident. Its emphasis on situational awareness and decision-making makes it a practical and effective approach to active shooter situations. By empowering individuals to take proactive measures to protect themselves and others, the program can help prevent tragedies and save lives.