5 secrets to create a successful threat plan

Although active threats and the environments where they take place can vary for each incident, there are common threads that can be woven together to create an effective and successful safety program. Here are 5 lessons for building a solid foundation for a safety-minded workplace.

The march against Charlie Hebdo magazine terrorism attack, on January 7th, 2015, in front of the French Embassy in Berlin, Germany. (Photo: conejota/ThinkStock)

1. Change your mindset

More often than not, active threat training is the elephant in the room. Everyone has seen or heard of incidents, but may be reluctant to take the steps to reduce the risk. The reasons may vary from believing it will make employees more fearful to worrying the training might not be "right" for the team.

The previous statistics illustrate an increasing probability of an active threat incident, making it less of an if and more of a when. Unfortunately, violence doesn't discriminate, so the entire enterprise – be it the headquarters, warehouse, or storefront – should be involved in preventative measures. Taking a holistic approach of one team, one goal can help break down any apprehension. Leadership should evaluate any training to see what type is the best fit for their organization's culture, explain to employees why it is vital, and provide details on how it will be implemented.

A sign welcomes students back to Umpqua Community College, Monday, Oct. 5, 2015, in Roseburg, Ore. The campus reopened on a limited basis for faculty and students for the first time since armed suspect Chris Harper-Mercer killed multiple people and wounded several others on Thursday before taking his own life at Snyder Hall. (AP Photo/John Locher)

2. Be flexible

Each act of violence is unique and a "one size fits all" response is likely to be an ineffective solution. Conversely, having too many threat-specific responses can be confusing, if not outright dangerous. While different threats do warrant varying responses, a series of "stovepipe" procedures can cripple a person with tunnel vision during a high stress scenario.

Active threat response plans should be built upon the same principles so even if the minute details are lost in the heat of the moment, team members can still make informed decisions to ensure their safety and that of others. Streamlined processes allow quick implementation and retention of information. Knowledge increases confidence, which increases decisiveness, and it is decisive action in a critical incident that saves lives.

South Korean police officers participate in a Field Training Exercise (FTX) during the official launch ceremony of the G20 Summit South Korean security unit at their training grounds on October 4, 2010 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo: Chung Sung-Jun/ThinkStock)

 3. Have proactive response plans

Increased exposure to violence in the workplace takes it from an abstract concept to a reality. A strategy based on the hope that nothing will happen and providing damage control afterwards can irreparably destroy a company's brand in addition to the harm inflicted upon persons and property.

An effective response plan doesn't begin when the incident occurs, but with preparation beforehand. Employees should learn how to identify and communicate to leaders possible high-risk indicators such as signs of growing anger, depression or erratic behavior. These can be just as, if not more effective, as decisive action during an active threat.

(Photo: Thinkstock/Marcoscisetti) 

4. Use clear communication 

Language plays a critical role in an active threat response program and can dictate the program's success or failure. Such language should be consistent with current policies and procedures so the program is both effective and legally defensible. 

Each company will need to tailor its active threat response plan to fit the culture and workplace environment. A simple concept utilized by agencies involves: "run, hide, defend."

(Photo: Purestock/ThinkStock)

 5. Remember customer service

Communication during a critical incident extends beyond employees to customers. How a company communicates with customers during an active threat incident plays a vital role in minimizing harm and mitigating supplemental harm as a result of panic.

Active threat mitigation plans should include an emergency communication strategy which may contain one or two common components. First is the use of a code like "Code Adam," which alerts employees to a specific issue while customers and vendors remain unaware of any possible issues. The second option is to use "plain English" so that everyone quickly gains situational awareness.  For example, instead of using "Code Red" for an active shooter incident, the alert would announce there is an active shooter situation in progress so employees, customers, and vendors should take decisive actions to seek safety.

Every active threat situation will unfold differently, especially since external factors such as the weather, type of environment, and other variables can present unpredictable outcomes. Being proactive about what can be controlled, allows companies to prepare for and respond to an active threat to the best of their ability.

Jay Hart is the director of the Force Training Institute (FTI), a Los Angeles-based consulting firm specializing in critical incident response and active shooter mitigation training. Founded and operated by former and current military and law enforcement officials, FTI has worked with industry leaders such as Rite Aid, Ford, REI, Gap, and Boeing.