Last Updated on December 28, 2015 – 4:44 PM CST
Active shooter events in the U.S. increased significantly during the last seven years of a 13-year FBI study, and of the 160 separate shootings identified, unarmed citizens are credited with stopping 13 percent of them. Given that an active shooter event lasts four to 11 minutes, a person who is trained to deal with the situation before law enforcement officials arrive can make a difference, and the Dumas Police Department wants everyone to have that training.
The DPD will have a Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events class Jan. 7 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. that will focus on three options: Avoid, Deny and Defend.
- A – Avoid. This is the preferred option and begins with situational awareness of one’s environment prior to any active, hostile act occurring. It also includes having a plan ahead of time regarding what you would do in the event of an active shooter and knowing escape routes. Avoid Danger.
- D – Deny. If avoidance isn’t possible, find ways to prevent the attacker from having access to you and others around you. (Close/lock doors, barricade doorways with furniture, etc.). Deny Access.
- D – Defend. Take action! As a last resort you have a right to defend yourself if you believe your life is in imminent danger. Defend Yourself.
Dumas Police Sgt. Nick Jordan said when people aren’t trained in how to deal with an active shooter, valuable minutes can pass before they take action. People often say they heard popping noises they thought were fireworks, but Jordan said with training, people won’t hesitate when they hear those sounds.
“You have to think about how many times have you heard fireworks in the workplace,” Jordan said. “You have to know how to act.”
Jordan will present the class in the Municipal Courtroom located on the east side of the police department at 124 E. 7th St. Class size is limited, so Jordan is asking people to call the police department at 806-935-3998 to reserve a seat.
Jordan also will speak about the new open carry law and how it affects people who have license to carry a handgun. The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2016.
For more information about Avoid, Deny and Defend, watch the video below.