One Step Ahead of Active Shooters: Are Our University Buildings Ready?

Abstract

Active shooter incidents typically transpire quickly. Research reveals that 70 percent of active shooter incidents end in less than 5 min, and that a majority of incidents are over before law enforcement arrive on scene. This study analyzes the level of preparedness among a sample of faculty members on executing “Run, Hide, Fight” in two university buildings that range in layout complexity. It also analyzes design challenges impacting response time for a sample of police officers. A visibility graph analysis (VGA), a new architectural based simulation tactic, was conducted to measure visual exposure and access, the legibility of layouts, and the ease of wayfinding within these two buildings. The findings showed that VGA measures explained the perceived level of preparedness among faculty members, and the importance of visibility to the police when they clear the building room by room. These measures may have the ability to identify the risk of exposure to shooters while attempting to run or hide, and to identify potential hidden spots in any floor plan.

Using Space Syntax Analysis to Measure Patient Aggression Risk

“…Their results suggest that the qualities of seeing others and being seen are significantly associated with integration measures, that is, integration of the spatial configuration (Alalouch & Aspinall, 2007; Kwon & Sailer, 2015). While the integration measure was found to have a persistent effect on interaction, it is argued to be linked to searching acts, hence a good predictor of the distribution of visitors who are unfamiliar with a space (Haq, 2003; Kellom & Nubani, 2018; Koutsolampros et al, 2019).…”

“…Studies of crime-vulnerable locations indicate that control and integration measures are associated (Alalouch et al, 2007; Kellom & Nubani, 2018). Their results suggest that the qualities of seeing others and being seen are significantly associated with integration measures, that is, integration of the spatial configuration (Alalouch & Aspinall, 2007; Kwon & Sailer, 2015).…”

“…Using space syntax theories and advanced simulation techniques, researchers have shown how certain spatial attributes of the healthcare setting are linked to wayfinding behaviors, effective communication, and patient satisfaction (Cai & Zimring, 2019; Haq, 2003; Rashid et al, 2014). Although few studies have used space syntax to examine crime opportunities in healthcare settings specifically, space syntax has been used to explore crime opportunities in neighborhoods (Nubani, 2006; Nubani & Wineman, 2005) and academic settings (Kellom & Nubani, 2018).…”

Active Shooter Preparedness: Perceptions of NCAA Division I Athletic Directors and Campus Police Chiefs

“…To be prepared against an ASI, a risk management plan must be developed that provides a balance between rhetoric, action, and fear in a potential active shooter incident, especially at a large event such as a Division I football contest. To achieve such a balance, university athletic departments should develop and implement a comprehensive, deliberate risk management plan for active shooters (Kellom & Nubani, 2018).…”

“Run, Hide, Tell” or “Run, Hide, Fight”? The impact of diverse public guidance about marauding terrorist firearms attacks on behavioral intentions during a scenario-based experiment in the United Kingdom and Denmark

“…Other have discussed the appropriateness of the 'Run, Hide, Fight' guidance given the nature and evolution of the threat (e.g. the rapidness of such attacks and the use of other types of weapons like vehicles) in an educational context (Kellom & Nubani 2018;Kepp 2018).…”