Armed Robberies and Active Shooters, a Training Challenge
 

By Adam Smith CFE, CFI
Senior Regional Asset Protection Manager
Winn Dixie

A man walks into a building with a gun, what should you do? Well, it may depend on the circumstances.

“If this, then that” scenarios are not ideal during violent incidents, especially when you’re dealing with retail organizations consisting of thousands of employees. Keeping the message simple is the best way to communicate any program. However, as it relates to an armed gunman, it’s not that easy.

Active shooters are a real threat to retailers, and many are educating their employees on how to react to them. Even if there is not training in the workplace, the department of Homeland Security has launched an aggressive public service messaging campaign. These ads can be seen on billboards, in print, and video. As it relates to active shooters, the department of Homeland Security has done a good job keeping the message simple with three words: run, hide, and fight. During an active shooter event, the assumption is made that, given an opportunity; an active shooter will harm anyone they come in contact with. This explains why “run” and “hide” are the first priority. Moreover, by “fight” being the last resort, it is again assumed that the active shooter will harm any person they come in contact with. This message is very easy to remember and apply.

The department of Homeland Security has given us a good framework for an active shooter response. However, as retailers, we sometimes have a different type of gunman enter our stores – the armed robber. During an armed robbery, employees are generally instructed to do as they are told. Most often, the armed robber leaves with cash or merchandise, but nobody is injured. If there are injuries, they typically result in someone resisting. If we used a one-word description of the response to an armed robbery, it may be “comply.” Furthermore, panic buttons are sometimes discouraged for the same reason – comply and call the police afterward. While many would discourage panic buttons during an armed robbery, most would consider them a resource during an active shooter incident. This further demonstrates the difference between the two types of incidents.

Each response standing on its own is very clear, but when you combine the two, it gets slightly more complicated. Both incidents begin with a gunman. It’s only once the gunman makes a demand do we know if we’re dealing with an active shooter or an armed robber. As it relates to active shooters, this could be too late. In both cases, a weapon is normally pointed at someone. This moment, possibly only a matter of seconds, will determine if a shot will be fired or a demand for money will be made.

This is where the issue gets muddy for retailers. Unfortunately, retailers may not have the option of a simple message to their employees. However, while the messaging is complicated by the two types of gunman, the issue may not be as confusing as first thought. First or all, active shooters are rare - horrific, but rare. Secondly, employees are smart and self-aware. While it may be initially unclear what the gunman’s intentions are, employees will quickly determine what they are and adjust accordingly. Additionally, active shooters are sometimes known to victims, giving employees insight into the intentions of the gunman. It would be improbable that someone known to store employees would openly conduct an armed robbery, as armed robbers do not intend to be caught.

It’s still very possible to give employees some direction on how to handle active shooters and armed robberies, but it may not be as simple as each would be on its own. Active shooters have become a reality in today’s society. In order to proactively address the issue, it may require additional resources. However, it may also provide an opportunity for Loss Prevention departments to add additional value to the business. Furthermore, by genuinely caring for employees, they may identify more closely with the goals of the organization.