Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events

The Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training organization (ALERRT) is made up of representatives from the Texas State University, the San Marcos Police Department, and the Hays County Sheriff's Office.  ALERRT came into existence as a direct result of the Columbine High School tragedy in 1999. This incident demonstrated a need for increased training for first responders and civilians alike in active shooter events.
 
Since its inception in 2002, the ALERRT organization has become a national leader in civilian response to active shooter events (CRASE) training. In 2013 the FBI adopted their model and began providing "train the trainer" courses nationwide for law enforcement personnel. The program is designed around the simple acronym ADD which stands for AVOID, DENY, and DEFEND.
add

In 2015 the Monona Police Department sent Officers to train as Civilian Response Instructor through ALERRT.  Since then the Monona Police Department has been offering this valuable training to civilians within the City of Monona. This training is available to any business, house of worship, school, or other venue located within the City of Monona free of charge as a public service.

We feel this training is maximized when civilians train in areas they are most familiar.  So we strongly encourage this training take place at your facility. If this is not practical, an alternate venue can be used depending on availability such as the Monona Library or Community Center.

Given the demand for this training, we will make every effort to accommodate as many requests as possible. If interested in this training contact Community Relations Officer Nate Reynolds and indicate your interest in the training.  

Check out the Avoid Deny Defend video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0It68YxLQQ

It can happen here

  • The average Active Shooter event lasts 4 - 8 minutes.
  • Over 70% of Active Shooter incidents are over in 5 minutes or less.
  • National average for Law Enforcement response is 5 – 6 minutes.
  • Learning about these incidents and how to prepare can help save your life and the lives of others

Be Prepared

  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Positioning in the room
  • Have an exit plan
  • Keep distance between you and the source
  • Create barriers
  • Defend yourself
  • Delay/disrupt
  • Learn how to recognize signs of violent behavior
  • Learn protective and preventative safety measures

If you See Something - Say Something

  • Always be observant
  • Be aware of vehicles which are out of place
  • Report someone who may be testing security or "scoping" a place out
  • Take threats seriously (verbal, written, phoned) 

https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something

RHF