Rev. Howard F. Travers, Jr., MA., MDiv., CT
This presentation contains graphic sounds, images, and language that many may find disturbing and offensive. Frequent breaks will be offered during the presentation. However, if you feel the need to step outside the room for a reprieve, please know that you are welcome to do so.
Representatives Of: • Healthcare Institutions • Education and Academia • Business Sector • Law Enforcement • Houses of Worship
EDUCATION BS – Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL MA / MDiv. – Southwestern Assemblies of God University, Waxahachie, TX CT – Certified Thanatologist, Association of Death Education and Counseling Ordination – International Church of the Foursquare Gospel Licensing – UMC Local Pastor Licensing School Certification – Active Shooter Response Training (ALICE Training Institute) Certification – Hospice and Palliative Care Chaplaincy, CA State University Certification – Healing Through Art, CA State University Certification – Columbia School of Broadcasting, Washington, DC EXPERIENCE Non-Profit Ministry Founder / President (1992-Present) Hospice Chaplain / Bereavement Care Manager (1994-Present) United Methodist Pastor (2015-Present) Maryland State Prison Chaplain (1987-2017) Non-Denominational Pastor (2007-2015) National Sheriffs’ Association Chaplaincy Committee (1996 -2009) Radio Host (1989-2009) Law Enforcement Chaplain (1995-2006)
Offer strategies to prevent and prepare for a potential active shooter incident. Provide options to enhance survival when confronted with an active shooter. Describe actions needed to safely interact with responding law enforcement officers.
[Jesus said] For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in ; How can Houses of Worship continue to welcome strangers, yet remain safe? - Sheep - Wolves - Sheepdogs
1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the L ORD . 2 Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together: 4 Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the L ORD , unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the L ORD . 5 For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. 7 Peace be within thy walls , and prosperity within thy palaces. 8 For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. 9 Because of the house of the L ORD our God I will seek thy good.
I will camp around My house because of the army, because of him who passes by and him who returns. No more shall an oppressor pass through them , for now I have seen with My eyes.
21 Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23 Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit . And he cried out, 24 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are —the Holy One of God!” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” 26 And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority [a] He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”
But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues .
36 He (Jesus) said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’ and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.” 38 The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied.
A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself , but the simple pass on and are punished. The L ORD tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
According to the FBI, an active shooter is an individual or individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area. Active Shooters primarily use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.
• Unpredictable • Evolve quickly • Typically over in 10- 15 minutes How long does it typically take law enforcement to respond to your church location? The majority of individuals are killed or wounded in the first (5) minutes of an active shooter event.
Usually involves one male shooter acting alone Has usually exhibited recent changes in behavior or signs of untreated mental illness Acting out of frustration and rage Attempting to correct a perceived wrong Desires to kill without concern for safety or capture Normally has intended victims and seeks them Accepts targets of opportunity while searching for intended targets Will continue to move throughout the building or area until stopped by law enforcement, suicide or other intervention.
Service times are publicly posted Services are free and open to the general public Often advertised as “gun - free” zones Most churches have little, if any, security
Columbine High School Virginia Tech University Sandy Hook Elementary School https://ww w.youtub e.com/wa tch?v=e3 5y616AfZ k https://www.y outube.com/w atch?v=6tfTbk A2eBE Las Vegas, Nevada First Baptist Church Pulse Nightclub https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNgTh6Kjo3w&has_verified=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEKf1qdCFk0&has_v Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School erified=1
“The reality of the situation is – it’s a sad reality, but it’s reality – there are no We’ve sanctuaries anymore. seen this happen in schools, in malls, playgrounds, parks, churches. No place is safe anymore. ” - Karl Kick, Washington Post
Taking action makes a difference. NEUTRALIZING THE THREAT IS NECESSARY TO SAVE LIVES! Response to minimize or eliminate the threat will need to be taken by YOU.
Harden the target (security upgrades) Report suspicious activity to law enforcement Consider a security committee / team to assess potential threats. Train and prepare! A survival mindset is critical.
Although no single set of warning signs are reliable predictors of an active shooter, there can be “ red flags . ” A “ red flag ” indicator is a questionable, suspicious or inappropriate behavior that presents in someone’s appearance, spoken or written words, or specific actions.
Behaviors which regularly interfere with the worship or study environment Overly aggressive behavior or threats towards others Poor decision-making and coping skills Low frustration tolerance; overreaction to circumstances; anger management problems Notable changes in behavior or appearance Writings, comments or social network postings endorsing violence; an unusual interest in violence
Development of a personal grievance Contextually inappropriate and recent acquisition of multiple weapons Contextually inappropriate and recent escalation in target practice and weapons training Contextually inappropriate and recent interest in explosives Contextually inappropriate and intense interest or fascination with previous shootings or mass shooting attacks Having a significant real or perceived personal loss such as a death, break-up, divorce, or loss of a job
Always be aware of your surroundings. Always be aware of at least (2) exits. Know what you are able and willing to do in a life threatening situation. Mentally prepare by visualizing yourself in a situation where you need to escape, hide or fight. Designate an assembly area. Ushers / Greeters / Receptionists greet guests. Report suspicious behavior. Lock doors / limit entry after events begin.
There is a sense of security in knowing we have a plan … Knowing what to do and when to do it keeps CRISIS from becoming CHAOS.
You will be required to make life and death decisions before help arrives. Always be mindful but not fearful. Mindfulness allows you to take appropriate survival action and use all your senses. Mindfulness allows you to trust your intuition – your gut feeling knowing the right thing to do.
Speed Surprise Controlled Violence of Action Countering
Respond Immediately Repetition in training and preparedness shortens the time to orient, observe, decide, and act. Recognize the sound of danger and act. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTcIBScXxNI Alert others to the danger - “A man with a gun! Get out!” Upon recognizing the danger, and as soon as safe to do so, call 9-1-1 with as clear and accurate information as possible.
Number of shooters and detailed physical descriptions Location of shooter(s) Number and type of weapons Known explosive devices Number of potential victims Your name and call back number
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