Australia New Zealand Counter Terrorism Committee (ANZCTC) defines an Active Armed Offender Incident (AAOI) as: “An armed offender who is actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people, and who demonstrates their intention to continue to do so while having access to additional potential victims.”
An active armed offender incident may involve a person or persons attacking people at random in a crowded public place to cause as much harm or fear as possible within a short period of time. If it does occur, an average active armed offender incident lasts for only 12 minutes.
Active armed offenders are not just ‘terrorists’ and may include intoxicated or mentally impaired individuals. They may use a variety of weapons including guns, knives, syringes, chemicals, vehicles or improvised weapons. They may be highly organised or unpredictable. They may be a group or solo. They may have affiliations or none at all.
The occurrence of an active armed offender event is rare, unexpected and generally, most people’s immediate response is to freeze and then try to find a normal explanation for what they are hearing or seeing. For example, witnesses describe comments like “they must be making a movie” or “it’s fireworks”. This confusion wastes valuable time which may be used to move to safety.
Knowing what to do and where to go, can help you take action rapidly, which may save lives and prevent injuries.
Active Armed Offender Awareness Training is suitable for any person that participates in open working environments or those in high risk areas or buildings. Industry sectors include, but not limited to:
• Security staff
• Indoor + Outdoor Event staff
• Front Line Retail staff
• High Profile Corporate premises
• Hospitality + Tourism staff
• University / School staff
• Government Departments
• Religious organisations
• Venue staff & volunteers
Do you know what to do if an active armed offender came into your business with the sole intention of hurting people? Like any emergency, you should have a well-practiced plan for what to do. Our program teaches skills that are in line with the ANZCTC guidelines including preparedness, response and recovery.
Understand the Escape, Hide, Tell principles
Know your escape plan
Understand the theory behind AAO incidents and the mindset of the offender
Learn to identify potential threats
Gain practical skills in response to an AAO incident & maximise your chance of escape
Understand the law enforcement response and what to expect
Post Event trauma
