We continue to stress the significance of including active threat training to our clients from colleges, universities, and government facilities to the private sector.
Active threat should be incorporated in a comprehensive emergency management approach and thus considered in risk assessments, detailed in plans, and trained and exercised to ensure a smooth integration of multiple response agencies.
Recent tragic incidents targeting schools, places of work, malls and entertainment venues showcase that all facilities must be prepared to help prevent, mitigate, prepare and response to active threats. It can’t be stated enough: these types of incidents have shown that the quick response of staff, contractor and local first responders can have a tremendous impact on the amount of injuries or fatalities.
A comprehensive security policy is dependent on a well-educated workforce. It’s important that you provide routine, ongoing training to all employees— even top-level executivies— showing them how to detect potential threats as well as measures they can personally take to protect the organization.
This post provides a brief overview establishing the need for an active threat plan as well as the benefits of security training.
The Need for an Active Threat Plan
Unfortunately, more often than not, active threat training is the elephant in the room for companies across the nation. Everyone has seen or heard of incidents portrayed in media, but are reluctant to take the necessary steps towards mitigations. According to a study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 5 percent of all businesses experience an instance of workplace violence each year (Source).
The rate of workplace violence increases for larger organizations. Although active threats and the environments where they take place can vary from incident to incident, the common threads found throughout can be woven together to create the foundation for an effective and successful safety program.
An active threat plan, among other workplace violence prevention strategies and tactics, results in:
- Improved workplace safety and employee security
- Early identification of risks and red flags – and, by extension, a greater chance for intervention before violence occurs
- Business benefits such as higher employee morale, better productivity and lower liability if an incident occurs and the correct prevention-oriented steps have been followed
Security Training Can Help Develop Flexible Response Plans for Active Threats
Violence is rarely a predictable situation, and a one-size fits all approach will likely leave you inadequately prepared. On the other hand, having too many threat-specific responses can be confusing, especially for a person with tunnel vision during a high-stress scenario. All active threat response plans should be crafted using the same principles— this way, even if the small details are lost in the heat of the moment, employees will still be equipped to make informed decisions to ensure their safety and the safety of others.Streamlining processes encourages a quick implementation and retention of information. Knowledge increases confidence, and in turn, confidence increase decisiveness. Simply put, decisive action in a critical incident saves lives.
How Security Training Affects Customer Service
Communication during a crisis is not limited to employees, but also extends to customer interaction as well. The way in which a company communications around and with customers during an active threat incident can play a huge role in minimizing damage and mitigating harm as a result of panic. As we mentioned before, every active threat situation will unfold in a unique manner, especially considering external factors like weather and other variables that can present unpredictable outcomes.Being proactive with controllable factors, like implementing sound training strategies, can help companies to be prepared for and respond to inactive threat to the best of its ability. By partaking in training courses, companies can mitigate risks, protect the safety of its employees, customers and community.
United Security, Inc. | Security Training Programs
Now that you’ve had the opportunity to review why it’s important to protect your workplace with active threat training, take some time to learn about our training options for your workplace. If you’re interested in learning more about our security training courses, you can fill out the form on this page to request more information!