Active shooter incidents are unfortunately becoming more common in the United States, with 50 total shootings in 2016 and 2017 alone, according to a 2018 report by the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice.
The tragic active shooter event from the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas in October 2017 and the murder of the executive director of the Barona Tribal Gaming Commission in San Diego in December 2009 emphasized the need for gaming industry professionals to prepare for the unlikely as though it were inevitable. Implementing active shooter preparedness training is critical to keeping employees, customers and the public safe. Developing a mindset of readiness and survival is imperative.
According to David Vialpando, director of gaming programs for OnCourse Learning Financial Services, having an action plan in place and having a good partnership with law enforcement and other emergency responders is critical for the best possible outcome in an active shooter incident.
Other preparation tips include:
- Develop a facility active shooter response plan
- Have emergency phone numbers ready for law enforcement, local hospitals and casino security
- Create an individual escape route and survival plan
- Implement critical incident response training for employees on a recurrent basis
To learn more about what casino management and gaming regulators need to know to prepare for and address an active shooter situation, watch our free on-demand webinar.
Leave A Comment