In the wake of the tragic Columbine High School shooting in April 1999, Greg Taylor, a seasoned police officer from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, confronted a painful reality. Watching the harrowing footage of the event, he recognized that despite rigorous training, police response times would not be sufficient to prevent further loss of life. The situation hit close to home for Taylor, as his wife was the principal of the elementary school attended by their children during those dark hours.
“When I asked my wife about her training for emergencies, she told me, ‘Hide and wait for help,’” Taylor recalls. This response sparked his determination for change. He pondered the critical window of five to six minutes it typically takes for law enforcement to respond to an active shooter and questioned how students could be empowered to make life-saving decisions during those moments.
Realizing a lack of proactive survival training for students and staff, Taylor teamed up with fellow law enforcement officers to research effective programs. Their search revealed a glaring absence of training that empowered potential victims. Thus, ALICE training was born—an acronym standing for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate. Initially conceived as “LICE,” Taylor humorously notes, “My wife advised that bringing LICE to schools wouldn’t be effective.” With refinement, Taylor and his team introduced the program in early 2001.
The ALICE program equips students with a range of choices suitable to various circumstances. While the acronym spells “Alice,” it is crucial to understand that the steps are not sequential. “The primary focus is to utilize any means necessary to ensure your survival,” Taylor emphasizes. ALICE training encourages children to take initiative rather than merely waiting for help.
- Alert: Recognizing potential threats, whether through personal observation or announcements from school staff.
- Lockdown: While not disregarded as a safety strategy, Taylor stresses that lockdown is not the only option.
- Inform: Keeping everyone updated through real-time cameras, public address systems, and social media is essential. Taylor underscores that these tools should be utilized during the crisis, not just afterward.
- Counter: This involves using noise, movement, or distractions to divert the shooter’s attention. “Simply throwing an object can disrupt a shooter’s aim,” Taylor explains, noting that this tactic is about creating distractions, not causing harm.
- Evacuate: Moving away from the threat significantly reduces the chances of being hit. “A moving target is harder to hit,” Taylor states.
Initially, ALICE faced skepticism, as it challenged conventional lockdown protocols. Taylor explains, “Lockdowns are effective when the threat is outside, but once a shooter enters, lockdown can give them control.” However, the perception shifted dramatically after the tragic Amish school shooting in 2006 and the Virginia Tech massacre in 2007, leading to widespread acceptance of Taylor’s innovative approach.
What started as a single initiative at his wife’s elementary school has expanded to encompass over 3,400 of the 14,000 school districts across the U.S. Additionally, more than 4,000 police departments now offer ALICE training within their communities. The Nazareth Area School District in Pennsylvania is one such district that has embraced this training. Principal Sarah Reed asserts that ALICE training equips students with skills applicable well beyond school, providing a sense of empowerment during emergencies.
Principal Mark Wilson of Nazareth Intermediate School echoes this sentiment, noting that students have responded positively, feeling empowered to act. “Students are motivated to be helpers in an emergency,” he states. Many agree that ALICE training significantly enhances survival chances during the critical first moments of an active shooter incident.
As Taylor reflects on the impact of his program over the years, he finds the greatest validation in hearing from children who feel safer because of ALICE. “Those stories are what drive our mission forward,” he concludes.
If you’re interested in implementing ALICE training within your school district, explore more about its benefits and potential impact.
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In summary, ALICE training provides a proactive approach to school safety, empowering students and staff with essential skills to react effectively in life-threatening situations. By equipping individuals with options, ALICE not only enhances safety but also fosters a sense of empowerment and preparedness.