Frequently asked questions
Have questions about ALICE Training®? See frequently asked questions and answers below.
Why should we utilize ALICE Training® for active shooter preparation?
ALICE Training® was the pioneer in active shooter preparation training in our country. It is the first program to question the reasonableness of lockdown-only policies and training. ALICE Training® has the most experience, credibility, and support for implementation. ALICE Training® protocols are not just for your K–12 school , college or university, house of worship, or place of business—they are life lessons that begin with situational and environmental awareness that help individuals realize and accept danger and then process the best option in the moment. ALICE Training® protocols are taught in a trauma-informed, age-appropriate manner as outlined by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). (Please note that the NASP does not endorse ALICE Training®.)
Will we be held liable, either personally for decisions we make during the event or as an organization for using ALICE Training®?
While no one can guarantee that a lawsuit will not follow any critical incident, ALICE Training® follows and has even helped guide changes to the best practices and standard-of-care established by federal and state guidelines.
Why was there a shift away from lockdown-only policies?
While Lockdown is a viable response option, it cannot be the only response taught. We have a responsibility to those in our care and employment to do all we can to prepare them for the rare occurrence of a violent critical incident wherever they may find themselves, which requires fluid, options-based strategies. ALICE Training® protocols include what is called an Enhanced Lockdown, which involves barricading and considering options after the initial lockdown is engaged. Federal and state government recommendations as well as major law enforcement associations support this strategy.
What is the difference between “fight” and “counter,” or is it just semantics and word choice?
Countering is not fighting; a fight is two individuals engaged in battle for any given reason. Countering is interrupting the psychological and physiological thought processes of a person wanting to do you harm. In Counter, you are utilizing countermeasures to counteract a person’s ability to do you harm. Countering can be achieved through distraction techniques. Distraction techniques can include throwing an object, yelling, movement and distance, and locking down.
What if a person is opposed to taking the training?
Participants may be opposed to the training thinking that it will be traumatic or that it is meant to scare—that is not the case. ALICE Training® is taught with a trauma-informed approach and is meant to be empowering, not scary. While the decision to allow participants to opt out is ultimately up to the organization, we encourage participants to attend. If a participant decides not to participate, we have alternative activities they can complete during that time.
Wouldn’t we be better off with an armed security guard?
Although armed security guards may be on the scene, they may not be where the incident is happening. In the event of a violent critical incident, everyone must know what to do to stay safe until law enforcement arrives.
How will I know it is safe to evacuate?
With ALICE Training® protocols, Evacuate is a viable response option if safe to do so. In the decision-making process for the response option you choose, you will use your situational and environmental awareness and consider questions such as “Who are you in charge of?” “Are you alone?” “Where in the building are you?” The response options in ALICE Training® are not linear—with the alert and information you have, you make the decision. Drills are a powerful preparation tool. Remember that drills are not scenarios; they are supervised, coordinated events to assist in decision-making in a learning environment.
Won’t we lose control of the event if people make their own decisions?
The purpose of training is to create the knowledge people need. Yes, during the initial violent critical incident, chaos could and likely will happen. However, we also train in the use of rally and reunification points. Only preparation can assist in controlling chaos.
Could we be training our future enemy?
Perhaps, but if you train everyone in your organization on the ALICE Training® protocols, the one thing the violent intruder cannot predict is your actions, and action always beats reaction. If you have a single response option and the violent intruder is familiar with that protocol, their task is easy. With multiple options, the violent intruder cannot predict your actions, giving you the advantage.
Isn’t it law enforcement’s job to take care of this problem?
According to the FBI , the average response time for law enforcement to active shooter incidents is typically less than 10 minutes, but most active shooter incidents conclude within five minutes, meaning law enforcement may not always be on the scene during the most active part of the event. It’s important to be prepared to deal with the situation until law enforcement arrives. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Active Shooter Study: Quick Reference Guide. PDF file. 2014.
Is confronting a violent intruder part of my job?
No. Confronting a violent intruder should never be required in any non-law enforcement job description. How each staff member chooses to respond if directly confronted by a violent intruder is up to them. You are the first responder, just as in any immediate medical emergency or fire situation. Training assists in preparing you for this type of event.
Do we need this if our police station is nearby?
Law enforcement officers may not be present when a shooting begins. The first law enforcement officers on the scene may arrive after the shooting has ended. Making sure individuals know how to respond helps prevent and reduce the loss of life.
Is classroom training sufficient?
Yes, classroom training is sufficient to gain the basic knowledge and concepts of ALICE Training®, and the concepts you learn will become a life skill. Good planning includes conducting drills, which must include emergency responders and school resource officers (where applicable). Exercises with these valuable partners are one of the most effective and efficient ways to ensure that everyone not only knows their roles but also knows the roles of others at the scene. These exercises should include walkthroughs of school buildings to allow law enforcement to provide input on shelter sites as well as familiarize first responders with the location.
How often should training be conducted?
Check with your local, state, or federal agencies to determine what the minimum requirements are. The more a plan is practiced and stakeholders are trained on the plan, the more effectively they will be able to act during an emergency to lessen the impact on life. Exercises provide opportunities to practice with community partners (local emergency responders) as well as to identify gaps and weaknesses in the plan.
Who should make decisions as to which ALICE Training® option to use?
ALICE Training® prepares each individual to be able to respond with the age-appropriate option that works best for their situation. It is possible that staff and students will need to use more than one option. Rarely will they have all the information they need to make a fully informed decision about which option is best. While everyone should follow any established Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and any instruction given during an incident, often staff will have to rely on their own judgement to decide which option will best protect lives.
Is there a possibility of a secondary attack if people are trying to leave the area?
In 2014, the FBI conducted a study on 160 active shooter events that occurred between 2000 and 2013. Their report showed that 158 incidents were carried out by a lone individual, which means only 1% involved more than one shooter. More recent data from 2023 shows that there were 49 shooters involved in 48 incidents that year, reinforcing previous findings. Also, any shooters outside the building will be contacted and neutralized by police much quicker than a threat inside a building. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Active Shooter Study: Quick Reference Guide. PDF file. 2014. Active Shooter Incidents in the United States in 2023. PDF file. June 2024.
Is ALICE Training® sequential in nature?
No, ALICE Training® is not designed to be sequential nor is it meant to be a checklist. ALICE Training® is a list of options that can be used to stay safe in the event of a violent critical incident. Some may choose to Evacuate, and some may choose to Lockdown and barricade. Others may choose to Counter if an armed intruder enters the space they are in. ALICE Training® is about options—not every situation is the same. Situational awareness, Alert, and Inform are critical communication pieces that will aid those who have to make lifesaving decisions.
How many organizations are currently using ALICE Training® as part of their safety protocols?
ALICE Training® has helped more than 19 million individuals, across multiple organizations and industries, prepare to respond with confidence in the face of violence. Here are some of the numbers:
- 19,000,000+ individuals trained in ALICE strategies over 20 years
- 4,506 newly trained ACIs in 2023
- 16,072 total ACIs
- 221+ combined years of ALICE experience on current team
- 1,109 combined years of law enforcement/supervision experience on current team
What are the first steps of implementing ALICE Training®?
ALICE Training® is always best received when all stakeholders are aware and educated about the program. After educating stakeholders, make sure you have a rollout plan. As an ALICE Certified Instructor (ACI), you may derail your program with the perception that implementation is not a well thought out process. Navigate360 has an outlined rollout process to assist. It is also always important to have the support of local law enforcement, as they are the community’s experts in this area.
Should students be trained?
We do not encourage schools to do live scenarios with children. However, we do recommend that students participate in announced drills as required by local, state, or federal agencies using a trauma-informed approach and that classroom teachers conduct student training using the lessons and resources provided at no additional charge.
How much time will ALICE Training® take away from students' instructional time?
There are a total of 30 student lessons for students in grades PK, K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12. Each lesson is approximately 30 minutes.
Is the adoption of ALICE Training® an admission that our school is not safe?
According to the CDC, homicide is the second leading cause of death for students 5–18 years old, however just 2% of homicides happen on school grounds. While schools are generally safe, the perception of safety has been affected by increased awareness of active shooter incidents. Active shooter drills and other security measures have become common, but the focus on prevention and early intervention is crucial for making schools safer. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Key Findings: School-Associated Violent Death Study. April 2024.
How can we engage families and the community in ALICE Training® without causing unnecessary fear or anxiety?
The key to engaging the community in ALICE Training® is through clear, compassionate communication and transparency. Emphasize that the training is about giving people options and helping them feel more prepared—not scared. The training is designed to build confidence and improve safety outcomes in crisis situations. Offer information sessions and be sure to highlight collaboration with law enforcement.
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