What is a VCI in ALICE Training®?

Violent Critical Incident

What is a VCI in ALICE Training^®?

In today’s world, ensuring the safety of our K-12 campuses has become paramount amid rising concerns over self-harm, violence, and the presence of weapons. The alarming increase in student mental health crises and violence towards self and others makes it clear that merely hoping that tragedy won’t happen in your community is not enough. It is imperative for every campus across the nation to have proactive plans in place, steering students away from violence and towards wellness.

One crucial aspect of this effort involves understanding what a VCI (Violent Critical Incident) is and how it relates to ALICE Training^® – a multi-response active shooter response program designed to empower students, educators, and staff to respond effectively in the face of a potential threat. In this blog, we will explain the concept of a VCI in ALICE Training® and explore how ALICE can help keep your community safe.

What is a VCI in ALICE Training^®?

In the quest to create a safe and nurturing learning environment in schools, it is crucial to equip students, educators, and staff with the necessary tools to handle potential active shooter threats or violent critical incidents (VCIs). A Violent Critical Incident, often referred to as a VCI, is any situation where there is an imminent threat of violence or harm to individuals within a school setting. This can include incidents such as an active shooter on campus, an armed intruder, or any other violent scenario that poses a significant risk to the safety and well-being of those present.

For many years, the predominant practice has been to rely solely on lockdown procedures in response to VCIs. However, a growing body of research and recommendations from federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Education, advocate for a multi-option response. This approach, as reported by the Journal of School Violence, emphasizes the need for training programs that empower individuals with diverse response options based on the specific incident and their proximity to danger.

ALICE Training^®, the original civilian active shooter response program, fills this crucial role by providing research-based, age-appropriate, trauma-informed, and multi-option active threat response training. Through ALICE, students and staff gain an understanding of various response options, including lockdown, counter, and evacuate, as well as the importance of communication and the delivery of information during the incident through alert and inform strategies. By comprehensively addressing the concept of VCIs and preparing individuals to respond proactively, ALICE Training® plays a pivotal role in enhancing school safety and saving lives in the face of potential violence.

How ALICE Training^® for Schools Works

Society’s evolving safety concerns demand that schools adapt. Comprehensive and effective programs, that integrate breadth, depth, and proven effectiveness, through a blended approach to training, are required. ALICE Training^® blends eLearning with hands-on instruction to ensure retention and reduce anxiety.

Educators and staff start with eLearning courses to help build a solid foundation of understanding, then continue with in-person training where they have the opportunity to practice ALICE strategies. Once educators and staff are trained, they use provided lesson plans and resources to teach students ALICE concepts and prepare them for drills. This approach ensures everyone in the school community is prepared for a VCI.

Certificated eLearning

Modern safety solutions are a must for schools facing security challenges. No longer can an “it won’t happen here” mindset prevail. Ensuring safety is both a legal obligation and a community duty. ALICE eLearning builds the foundation for understanding ALICE strategies. The eLearning is interactive, on-demand, fits busy schedules, and offers certificates upon completion. Participants will learn about Alert and Inform communication strategies, and response options: Lockdown, Counter, Evacuate. The eLearning includes resources, lesson plans, and accommodations for students with special needs.

Modules are available for:

Educators
Administrators
Support Staff
Bus Drivers
Cafeteria Staff
Coaches

Hands-on Practice

While eLearning builds the foundation for fluid recall during emergencies, hands-on training by ALICE Certified Instructors (ACIs) is crucial. An organization’s internal ACIs or local law enforcement can provide this training. Participation in interactive training boosts recall, reduces anxiety, and prepares individuals for active shooter scenarios, where quick decisions matter. Because 57% of incidents conclude before law enforcement’s arrival, proactive survival preparation is vital.

This comprehensive training methodology empowers educators and staff to respond proactively to unsafe situations, equipping them with invaluable skills and knowledge to face potential violent critical incidents (VCIs) with confidence and preparedness.

A core principle of ALICE Training^® is trauma-informed instruction, preparing students for violent situations without undue distress.

ALICE’s strategies include:

Employing curricula that meet the diverse cognitive, behavioral, and developmental needs of students.
Offering resources for students who may have special considerations, ensuring that all learners have access to a suitable and effective safety training option.
Utilizing multi-option response training, empowering students to actively participate in their own survival and reducing anxiety surrounding potential incidents.

ALICE equips students with life-saving skills while building confidence among educators and staff for an effective response to critical incidents.

Building a Safer Future: ALICE Training^® Empowers Schools for Preparedness & Proactive Response

Prioritizing the safety and well-being of students and staff in schools has never been more critical than it is today. As our communities grapple with increasing concerns of self-harm, violence, and the presence of weapons, it is evident that hope alone is not enough to protect our campuses from potential violent critical incidents (VCIs).

ALICE Training^® serves as a critical cornerstone in prioritizing school safety. By offering research-based, trauma-informed, and multi-option active threat response training, ALICE empowers students, educators, and staff to make informed decisions in potential VCIs. With a proactive approach and age-appropriate instruction, ALICE equips individuals with crucial life-saving skills while fostering confidence and preparedness.

Endorsed by federal agencies and aligned with education standards, ALICE Training^® is instrumental in building a secure and nurturing environment for all. Contact us today to learn more about how ALICE can enhance safety measures and protect lives in educational institutions and communities.