Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Criminal Justice and Homeland Security (D.P.S.)

Department

Division of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security

First Advisor

Jie Xu

Second Advisor

Michael H. Martaindale

Third Advisor

James O' Keefe

Abstract

The purpose of the following study is to identify components of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) that can be used to improve first responder deployment in critical incidents, such as in the occurrence of an Active Shooter (AS) and Active Deadly Threat (ADT). The Incident Command System (ICS), a component of NIMS, is the on-scene emergency management organization designed to aid in managing resources during planned and unplanned catastrophic events. An AS/ADT incident is typically planned by the perpetrator and unexpected to first responders, leaving them with limited time to respond to and neutralize this type of threat effectively. A survey will be distributed to help identify other strategies that NIMS may have yet to consider. The target population for this survey will include full-time law enforcement professionals within the United States to ensure that the data obtained is cohesive with the strategy being developed for this study. Focusing on this population cluster will allow for a better understanding of the currently practiced response strategies and training these first and secondary responders receive in responding to AS/ADT incidents. Besides focusing on local and state level responders, an interview with two professionals with experience in AS/ADT response incidents, as well as incidents involving the usage of ICS. The intention here is to acquire additional information that will hopefully enrich the validity of the obtained findings. This paper will ultimately analyze the data of the disseminated survey, interviews, and the ICS model, where the most applicable attributes identified will be recommended for consideration in improving future emergency response efforts to these "live" deadly attacks. Keywords: active shooter, active deadly threat, critical incidents, NIMS, ICS

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