Mitigating Active Shooter Threat in Malls Using Multi-Layered Security

Shopping malls are popular destinations for people of all ages, but they can also become targets for active shooter attacks. Unfortunately, this has become a common occurrence in recent years. The good news is that there are ways to prevent these types of attacks from happening or at least mitigate the risk of such an attack. One of the most effective methods is to implement multi-layered security protocols.

Multi-layered security protocols are a combination of measures designed to create a comprehensive security system. They include physical, technological, and procedural elements that work together to provide a high level of protection. Malls can benefit from these protocols by implementing them in a way that prevents active shooter attacks.

Here are some examples of multi-layered security protocols that malls can adopt:

1.       Physical barriers: Physical barriers are the first line of defense against an active shooter. Malls can use security doors, metal detectors with access control systems, and bulletproof glass to prevent an attacker from entering the building. These barriers can be strategically placed in high-risk areas, such as entrances and exits, to prevent unauthorized access or to contain the shooter(s) to one specific area.

2.       Security personnel: Security personnel are an essential part of a multi-layered security protocol. They can monitor the mall, respond to threats, and provide assistance to customers. Trained security personnel can detect suspicious behavior, identify potential threats, and take appropriate action to prevent an attack.

3.       Surveillance cameras: Surveillance cameras and Video Management Systems / Digital Video Recorders (VMS/DVR) can monitor the mall's interior and exterior, record activity, and provide real-time information to security personnel. This information can be used to identify potential threats and prevent an attack.

4.       Threat detection technology: A variety of sensor technologies including traditional metal detectors, behavioral video analytics, visual weapons detection, and facial recognition against an unallowed persons list, can augment and work alongside the surveillance camera systems above. MIS Security offers the RONIN™ Enterprise system, a technological solution for threat detection using advanced sensor technology and algorithms and integrates well with these other systems and procedures.

5.       Communication systems: Reliable and simple to use communication systems are crucial during an active shooter attack. Malls can implement communication systems that allow security personnel to communicate with each other, law enforcement, and customers. These systems can include radios, cell phones, and loudspeakers. SMS and e-911 automated notification systems aid in providing lock-down and emergency response capabilities, for instance integrating with a Video Management System (VMS) to provide visuals to police and first responders before they arrive on scene.

6.       Emergency response plans: Emergency response plans are critical during an active shooter attack. Malls can develop plans that include procedures for lockdowns, evacuations, and sheltering in place. Security officers must communicate, make available, and rehearse these plans with employees and local first responders and test regularly to ensure they are effective.

Malls can mitigate the threat of active shooter attacks by implementing multi-layered security protocols. These protocols include physical barriers, security personnel, threat detection, surveillance cameras, communication systems, and emergency response plans. By adopting these measures, malls can supply a safe and secure environment for their customers and employees.

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