This training will focus on establishing prevention-based active shooter programs, concentrating on preventing the act of violence before it occurs. We will provide techniques to reduce the risk and the anxiety of students and staff. It focuses on recognizing and moving away from the violence and giving participants a plan of action.

This program is designed for certificated and classified K–12 school employees, school administrators, school resource officers, and school board members who want to improve employee safety, reduce fear, and better prepare school staff to deal with an active shooter situation by raising awareness of pre-incident indicators and characteristics of active shooters.

Attendees will be presented with case studies, training videos, and a presentation. Attendees will leave with knowledge and practical skills to better prepare and respond to active shooter scenarios. MERIT gives participants a mindset of recognition and a plan of action.

Participants will learn the importance of integrating behavioral intervention teams and about the risk and threat assessment processes, in addition to learning approaches on effective best practices to consider during an active shooter incident.

Participants will be provided with common emergency terminology used to ensure that “we are all on the same page” during a critical incident—both internally with staff/students and externally with first responders; approaches on student management during an event; and how to communicate during a critical incident such as an active shooter event.