What are the five phases of an Active Shooter event?

The five phases of an Active Shooter event encompass key stages that help in understanding the progression of such incidents and enhance preparedness for them. The first part, Fantasy, refers to the thoughts or ideations an individual may have regarding committing an act of violence, which often goes unnoticed until more concrete actions are taken. Planning involves the logistics and the specific details that the shooter develops to actualize their intended act.

Preparation is the phase where the individual gathers equipment and makes final arrangements to carry out the plan. The Approach marks the transition from planning and preparing to moving towards the target location, typically with the intention of executing their plan. Finally, Implementation is the execution phase, where the active shooter carries out the attack.

Understanding these phases helps responders anticipate behavior, identify warning signs, and develop strategies for intervention and response to mitigate the impact of such tragic events. Each phase is critical for law enforcement and public safety personnel to recognize and respond appropriately to reduce harm and ensure public safety effectively.