Run. Hide. Fight! To Survive an Active Shooter Event

Robin Clark Eilenberg County News, Public Safety and Corrections, Winter Conference

Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. While an active shooter scenario may unfold in various locations, public and government settings are particular targets.

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MACo conference attendees learn what to do in an active shooter incident.

In a special deep-dive session at MACo’s Winter Conference today, Deputy First Class Wehrle of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office shared the best way to prepare for the worst-case scenario of an active shooter incident.

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Harford County Council Member Capt’n Jim McMahan speaks about the tactical requirements for today’s police force.

The Honorable James “Capt Jim” McMahan, Jr., Council Member, Harford County moderated the session. In introducing Wehrle, McMahan compared him to an Army Ranger or Navy Seal, stating,

The world has changed such that the thin blue line in your community must be trained to deal with any sort of situation. – Capt’n Jim McMahan

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Could you jump out of a second story window? Deputy Wehrle tests attendees’ willingness and ability to run from an active shooter.

Wehrle’s presentation included national statistics from the FBI and specific response technics based on the most recent data and law enforcement studies. As described by Wehrle,

  2. Run. Even if you have to run past a shooter, this is your best chance of survival during an active shooter incident.
  3. Hide. If you cannot run, hide, and use every means possible to delay the suspect from finding you.
  4. Fight! If necessary, cooperate with those with you to swarm your assailant.