Knowing What to Do During an Active Shooter Situation Could Save Your Life

CHARLOTTE, NC – Knowing what to do during an active shooter situation could save your life.

Charlotte hosts major events each year that bring thousands of people into the Uptown area.

“Any event downtown in Charlotte is gonna be the type of soft target that you would worry about,” explains former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker.

He says any big city is vulnerable to the kind of attack we saw in Las Vegas.

While police can manage security on the ground, it’s harder to control who gets into high rise buildings above crowds of people.

“There are hotels overlooking Tryon Street, that’s where a lot of the activity takes place,” Swecker says.

He adds, “Raising the level of awareness on the part of the employees in surrounding buildings, getting every involved in security is really a fundamental tenant of security.”

CMPD Officer John Frisk teaches active shooter training for schools and businesses.

“He had a huge advantage on people once he shot out that window,” Frisk says.

He says it’s important to react immediately. With an active shooter, you should get away as fast as you can.

“Your best friend is time and distance,” Frisk explains.

Swecker says you should always think about what you might do, if the worst happens.

“Doesn’t have to dominate your thoughts or keep you from going out the front door, but at least play it out in your mind as to how you would respond,” Swecker says.

CMPD offers free active shooter training classes in Mecklenburg County.

It’s a two-hour course and they can come out to your business or organization.

For more information contact jfrisk@cmpd.org