For Immediate Release

Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

East Bridgewater Police Host Successful Active Shooter Response Training Course

Additional Training Courses Available to Those Who Apply

EAST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Scott Allen reports that the East Bridgewater Police Department hosted a successful training course for community members about reacting to active shooter incidents.

The course, held on Wednesday night, taught participants about the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) program. The training is meant to prepare civilians for the possibility that they could be targeted in a violent intruder event, giving them knowledge and skills to help save their own lives and the lives of others before law enforcement arrives.

There were 11 participants in the free, hour-long class, which was held at the East Bridgewater Town Hall.

During the presentation an overview of past violent intruder cases was given by Sgt. Michael McLaughlin, who taught the course.

“Programs like CRASE are all about making people aware of options they may be able to take during the event of a violent intruder,” Sgt. McLaughlin said. “The best option is to flee from a situation if it is safe to do so, however, sometimes fleeing is not possible. We go over ways a group or individual can make things harder for an active shooter, such as barricading doors.”

The participants were trained in the strategy of Avoid/Run, Deny/Hide, Defend/Fight:

• Avoid Danger – This is the preferred option when dealing with a violent intruder situation and begins with awareness of your environment prior to any active, hostile act occurring. It also includes having a plan ahead of time regarding what you would do in the event of a violent intruder attack and knowing escape routes.
• Deny Access – If avoidance is not possible, find ways to prevent the attacker from having access to you and others around you. Close and lock doors, barricade doorways with furniture, etc.
• Defend Yourself and Take Action – As a last resort, people have the right to defend themselves if they believe their lives are in imminent danger. It is important to remember that there are ways to stop threats created by a violent intruder without the use of a weapon. CRASE provides several alternatives, which are taught during the course.

Following the presentation, officials from two local businesses expressed interest in having Sgt. McLaughlin come to their location to teach the course to their employees.

The CRASE program is similar to the ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate) training that was held in partnership with the Department and East Bridgewater Public Schools earlier this month.

Those who would like to schedule a CRASE training session at their business, school, place of worship or elsewhere can contact East Bridgewater Police Sgt. Michael McLaughlin by email at MMcLaughlin@ebmass.com or call 508-378-7223.

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