Active Shooter Training for Schools: Empowering Safety in Florida

Empowering Safety with ALICE Active Shooter Training for Schools

In today’s world, ensuring school safety goes beyond traditional security measures. 69% of active shooter incidents last only five minutes or less, often ending before law enforcement arrives. Staff, students, and temporary personnel must know how to respond to violent incidents. Knowledge and training enhance their chances of survival, bridging the gap until help arrives.

When it comes to active shooter preparation and response training, for 20+ years Navigate360 and its team of law enforcement, education, and child development experts, alongside a team of ALICE National Trainers, has spearheaded the effort to certify schools and train millions of individuals nationwide in ALICE strategies.

With the rise of active shooter incidents, schools must adopt comprehensive training programs like Navigate360 ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) Active Shooter Response Training to prepare staff and students for potential threats.

Charlie Morse, the Safety & Security Director of Walton County School District in Florida, stands as a testament to the effectiveness of ALICE Training®. Charlie’s story showcases ALICE’s integral role in his district’s school safety protocols, evolving to become nothing short of “the fabric of our safety.”

Walton County School District By the Numbers

The district contains 23 schools and 11,066 students.

Schools in the district:

• 6 Preschools
• 13 Elementary Schools
• 12 Middle Schools
• 10 High Schools

(Image source: South Walton High School)

Implementing ALICE Active Shooter Response Training

Charlie Morse, a former teacher, coach, and executive school leader, has been deeply involved in safety initiatives in Walton County School District since 2012. During that year, Charlie also became an ALICE Certified Instructor (ACI).

Driven by a commitment to proactive safety measures, Charlie and his district partnered with ALICE to equip their staff with options-based active shooter response training. Rejecting a one-size-fits-all lockdown approach, Charlie aimed to “empower people to make good decisions” in the event of an active shooter threat. Alongside two law enforcement officials from the district, Charlie underwent comprehensive training in the ALICE methodology. They later conducted ALICE Training® sessions in 17 schools across Walton County.

Recognizing the tangible benefits of ALICE, Charlie expanded the scope of training efforts within his district. Beyond teachers and administrators, he extended training to include vital personnel such as substitute teachers, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers.

Following the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL in February 2018, Walton County School District elevated its safety initiatives in three ways: 

1. They ensured that each school had at least one ACI. This instructor conducted drills, provided instruction, and continuously reinforced the ALICE concepts.
2. At the beginning of each school year, they began holding regular scenario-based drills and demonstrations of the ALICE method. This fostered a deep understanding of ALICE principles among all stakeholders.
3. Monthly reviews of ALICE concepts were conducted in a trauma-informed manner, tailored to the age and ability levels of students and staff. Law enforcement collaboration ensured alignment between school responses and emergency protocols.

As of March 2024, Charlie reports a significant increase in ACIs across all schools, with at least four to five ACIs in each institution, including principals and assistant principals. This strategic involvement of school leadership has not only bolstered understanding but also garnered executive-level buy-in for ALICE within Walton County School District.

The Results: ALICE Becomes the ‘Fabric of Safety’ in Walton County School District

The partnership between Walton County School District and ALICE Training® has yielded remarkable results, with ALICE methodologies seamlessly woven into the very fabric of safety protocols within the district.

Spearheaded by the unwavering commitment of Superintendent Mr. Russell Hughes and the supportive school board, the initiative has transformed the landscape of school safety county-wide, ensuring a proactive approach to protecting students and staff alike.

From its inception in 2012, the district’s leadership recognized the necessity of preparing staff and students for active shooter situations. A pivotal moment came during Superintendent Hughes’s annual senior round table.  

For about seven years, he has asked that several kids from every high school attend. The superintendent talks to students and asks them if they feel safe. In the first year of Superintendent Hughes asking students if they felt safe, they responded with a resounding “yes.” When the superintendent asked them why, almost every student said two things:   

“I know how to respond if an incident happens” or “I know how to implement ALICE.”   

By investing in certified trainers and prioritizing ongoing education through ALICE’s eLearning modules, the district has elevated its safety standards to unparalleled levels. With over a hundred ACIs and guardians stationed in every school, a culture of safety permeates every aspect of district operations. Regular drills and evaluations ensure that ALICE protocols are not only understood but ingrained into daily routines.

ALICE has evolved from a training program to a way of life within Walton County School District. As Charlie Morse aptly states, “ALICE is just the fabric of our safety,” a sentiment that resonates deeply within every corridor and classroom, ensuring a safer, more resilient educational environment for all.

Listen as Charlie recounts this powerful moment at the superintendent’s round table:

Ensure Your Schools Are Ready to Act with ALICE

Charlie Morse’s success with ALICE Training® demonstrates the importance of taking proactive measures to ensure school safety. As we navigate the complexities of modern-day threats, school districts across the nation must prioritize comprehensive active shooter training.

By investing in proactive safety measures, we empower our educators, students, and staff to respond effectively to potential threats, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience within our educational communities. It’s not enough to simply react to incidents as they occur; we must take proactive steps to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Preparation and response training like Navigate360 ALICE Active Shooter Response Training should be a top priority in every district. Equipping stakeholders with the necessary tools and knowledge to mitigate potential harm and create safer learning environments for all is vital. Now is the time to ensure your school district is ready to act.

A Guide to Active Shooter Preparedness & Response For K-12 Schools

Discover how the ALICE research-based active shooter response program empowers students and staff to respond and survive in the face of violence.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE