Emergencies often come when we least expect them, and being in a lockdown during an active armed offender situation is a scenario schools must prepare for. But what does this mean for staff, students, and leadership in real time? How do we move from a general lockdown procedure to following active armed offender protocols? Today, let’s break down the critical actions and decisions that could save lives during this highly volatile situation.

From Lockdown to Active Armed Offender Response: Knowing When to Transition

Lockdown procedures are designed to protect students and staff from immediate threats such as external dangers (e.g., suspicious individuals, wild weather, or civil disturbances). But when the threat escalates to an armed offender either on-site or gaining access to your campus, lockdown alone may not be enough. At this point, your response must pivot to protocols designed to handle an active, violent threat.

This transition is crucial, and it starts with understanding and following national guidelines. The Active Armed Offender Guidelines for Crowded Places provide practical steps to mitigate risk and protect people when an armed offender is present.

Let’s break down the key recommendations and how they fit into your school’s emergency management and critical incident management escalation plan.

Step 1: Recognise the Need for Escalation

When you’re in a lockdown and receive credible information that there is an armed offender on or near the campus, it’s critical to escalate the response immediately. The school’s designated Chief Warden and Critical Incident Management Team should be activated, including the Critical Incident Leader (Principal or designated leader) and the Communications Officer.

Key escalation triggers include:

• Hearing or seeing an armed individual.
• Verified reports of an armed offender on campus or nearby.
• Gunfire or other sounds of violence within or near the campus.

Upon confirming the threat, move from a standard lockdown to active armed offender procedures, focusing on immediate protective actions.

Step 2: Implement the “Escape, Hide, Tell” Approach

The “Escape, Hide, Tell” framework forms the backbone of Australia’s active armed offender response and should be part of your school’s training.

1. Escape (Evacuate when safe to do so)

If there is a clear, safe escape route, use it.

• Ensure staff know pre-designated evacuation points that do not lead towards the threat.
• Move quickly and quietly.
• Do not stop to retrieve personal belongings.
• Ensure students and staff move in groups if possible.

2. Hide (If escape is not possible)

If you cannot safely evacuate, lockdown in a location where you can hide effectively:

• Lock and barricade doors using heavy furniture.
• Turn off lights and ensure mobile phones are silenced.
• Keep students and staff out of sight from windows or doors.
• Remain silent and avoid any noise that may reveal your position.
• Remember to remain UNSEEN and UNHEARD.

3. Tell (Call for help and provide critical information)

Notify emergency services immediately by dialling Triple Zero (000) and provide as much information as possible, including:

• The location of the offender.
• Description of the offender (appearance, clothing, weapons).
• Number of people in danger.
• Injuries, if any.

Simultaneously, the school’s internal communication processes should be followed. This includes alerting the school’s designated contact (Critical Incident Leader) and updating them regularly as the situation evolves, if safe to do so.

Step 3: Coordinate Internal and External Communications

It is critical to manage the flow of information effectively during the incident to minimise panic and ensure coordinated actions.

• Internal communication: Use pre-established methods (e.g., internal messaging systems, intercoms) to provide real-time updates to staff while maintaining security, if safe to do so.
• External communication: The Critical Incident Leader should coordinate with external stakeholders, including police, emergency services, and parents. Ensure parents are notified promptly but calmly to prevent overcrowding near the school, which could hinder evacuation efforts (if possible and when appropriate to evacuate).

Step 4: Prepare for Police and Emergency Service Response

When emergency responders arrive, they will take over the incident management. To assist them effectively:

• Ensure key staff (eg Chief Warden) have the site emergency response plan and maps available to hand over.
• Avoid sudden movements when approaching police.
• Follow instructions precisely—police will prioritise neutralising the threat before attending to injured individuals.

Step 5: Post-Incident Actions and Recovery

Once the immediate threat is neutralised, your school’s focus should shift to recovery and support:

• Conduct a roll call to ensure everyone is accounted for.
• Provide immediate first aid if necessary.
• Initiate counselling and mental health support for students and staff who experienced trauma.
• Conduct a debrief with key staff and responders to assess what worked and identify areas for improvement.

Key Recommendations for Schools

To ensure your school is prepared for this scenario, consider the following:

• Train staff on transitioning from lockdown to active armed offender protocols through regular drills.
• Review the school’s escalation process to ensure quick activation of the Critical Incident Management Team.
• Ensure staff know key contacts, including who to report to internally during emergencies.
• Familiarise everyone with the Active Armed Offender Guidelines for Crowded Places, and integrate key elements into your school’s emergency plans and education.

Final Thought: Preparation Saves Lives

No one wants to imagine their school facing an armed offender. But preparation, clear protocols, and regular training can make the difference between chaos and a coordinated, effective response. By transitioning swiftly from lockdown to armed offender response, your school will be better equipped to protect lives and minimise harm.

Stay safe, stay ready. And remember, preparation is not just about knowing the steps—it’s about practicing them.

Would you like to learn more or review your school’s current emergency plans or critical incident management arrangements? Get in touch with us at Bounce Readiness. Let’s ensure your team knows exactly what to do when the unexpected happens.

References: Active Armed Offender Guidelines for Crowded Places