MONITORING THE UNPREDICTABLE: WHAT CAN LAW ENFORCEMENT DO TO TRACK POTENTIAL ACTIVE SHOOTERS?
Download
Author
Reyna, Robert A.
Date
2021-03Advisor
Miller, Patrick E.
Dahl, Erik J.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Since the late 1990s, few incidents have captured the national spotlight more than active shooter events. These events are a significant concern to the public, and as questions arise surrounding these incidents, the focus often turns to law enforcement and its ability to protect the public. Often, law enforcement’s response to inquiries surrounding prevention strategies concludes with officials explaining that they did everything possible to prevent the attack. This thesis analyzes the history of active shooter response and examines why law enforcement focuses more on response management than on prevention strategies. The project identifies issues when law enforcement, regardless of size or allocated resources, fails to establish a plan to track and monitor potential active shooter threats. Comparing four case studies—the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooting, Virginia Tech incident, Odessa-Midland attack, and the 1 October Las Vegas mass shooting—the research aims to identify investigative gaps that may have helped prevent the attacks. It categorizes the probability of preventing attacks based on available resources to law enforcement. The conclusion points to gaps with information sharing, planning, and resource allocation that could help agencies prepare for any future attacks.
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.Collections
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Combating paramilitary terrorism on the homefront: an examination of capabilities and limitations of U.S. response forces
Clees, Michael R. (Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School, 2015-12);After the September 11 attacks, it was expected that terrorists would continue their innovations in tactics to eventually use high-tech weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Such a WMD attack has not occurred. During the past ... -
Toward a common standard: the role of law enforcement at WMD incidents
Taylor, Keith L. (Monterey California. Naval Postgraduate School, 2013-09);This thesis examines the role of law enforcement personnel at weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and hazardous materials incidents with regard to WMD training, standards and preparedness, and identifies gaps and problems ... -
21st century policing : the institutionalization of Homeland Security in local law enforcement organizations
Collie, Fred D. (Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School, 2006-03);Twenty-first-century law enforcement organizations face a new and significant challenge- homeland security. On September 11, 2001, local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States were thrust into the "war on ...