Active Shooter Training Principles: The Latest CRASE

By Frank Reynolds

When I was about fifteen years old, my dad bought me my first rifle from Sparks Hardware in downtown Canton. My buddies and I would go camping every weekend during the summer, rifles in hand. When we ran out of ammo, we went back to Sparks and got what we needed. Back then, John Sparks philosophy was, If you could see over the counter, you could buy your own .22 ammunition.

Times have certainly changed.

My goal here is not to debate gun legislation, the mental health crisis, or drug addiction. My intent is to offer you some simple tools to reflect on should you find yourself in a critical incident like an active shooter.

First, let me state that I am pro-2nd Amendment, and as your sheriff, I dont believe having more gun laws will contribute to making our communities safer. I do believe in training and education when it comes to responsible gun ownership. Later this year, we will offer a series of basic handgun familiarization courses to a select group of citizens.

My focus, here, is to talk about what to do in the event of being involved in an active shooter situation or other critical incident. The following three principles are taken from the CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events) Training program offered by the Cherokee Sheriffs Office and some police departments.

Avoid
One of your best defenses is being situationally aware of your surroundings. Take note of people and their behaviors. If something or someone makes you uncomfortable, there is probably a reason even if you cant articulate it at the moment. Create distance, or leave the immediate area. Often, victims of crimes report that something did not seem right prior to the incident taking place.

Deny
If leaving the immediate area prior to an incident developing (or when a crisis is ongoing), deny the attacker the access to your location. Locking doors, turning off lights, and silencing cellular devices may cause the attacker to move to another location. If you cannot lock a door, try barricading it with furniture and heavy items. Try not to use your body. If the door opens to the outside, use a belt or strap to pull the door closed.

Defend
If leaving the immediate area or sheltering in place is not an option defend yourself and others. Use whatever items are available in the room as improvised weapons. This can be books, chairs, or anything that can aid in your defense.

Firearms
Having a firearm readily available may be a viable option for some. There are many factors to consider when employing a firearm during an active shooter incident. I recommend seeking advanced training from a reputable instructor. Topics to be discussed should include threat identification, collateral damage, legal issues, and being mistaken for the attacker.

I hope you will take some time to reflect on what you can do to better protect yourself and minimize your risk of being a victim during a critical incident. Create a plan with your friends, family, and coworkers about what to do during an attack. Incorporate that plan into your everyday life, and prepare for the unexpected. May you never need to employ these safety principles.