Violent incidents include acts of terrorism, an active shooter, kidnapping, hostage-taking, assaults, armed intruder, robbery, burglary, break-in, etc.

NOTE: Report violence. Any employee who is aware of a potentially violent situation that may carry over into the workplace should report information to the City of Carlsbad Police Department.

In the event of violence in the workplace 

• If safe to do so, evacuate from the assailant/building and seek cover. 
• If evacuation is not possible, congregate in the immediate vicinity and secure the area if safely feasible.
• Lock or barricade the door if able. (Use whatever is available: desks, tables, file cabinets, etc.)
• Call 9-1-1. Provide as much information as possible regarding the assailant, weapon, injuries, location, building entrances, etc.
• Remain behind solid objects, out of sight and away from the door and windows.
• Assist children and those with access and functional needs.
• Account for co-workers, assessing injuries.
• Remain quiet.
• If the assailant enters your room and leaves, lock or barricade the door.
• If safe and secured, place a sign in exterior-facing windows identifying number/severity of injured.
• If unsafe or unsecured -- and location of assailant is known -- proceed to secure location if determined safe to do so.
• If unsafe or unsecured -- and location of assailant is unknown -- seek closest available cover.
• If in doubt, find the safest area available and secure it the best way that you can.
• Remember the assailant may bang on the door, yell for help, or otherwise attempt to entice you to open the door of a secured area.
• Unless there is any doubt about the safety of the individuals inside the room, the area needs to remain secured.
• Once the door is secured, do not open until directed to do so by an authenticated law enforcement official.

Learn more

• Categories of workplace violence 
• Tips for preventing workplace violence 
• Risk factors

Statistics on violence in schools

According to The Final Report and Findings of the Safe School Initiative:

• Just over one-quarter of school shooting incidents are stopped through law enforcement intervention.
• Despite prompt law enforcement responses, most were stopped through intervention by school administrators, educators and students -- or by the attacker stopping on his own.
• One-quarter of the incidents were over within 5 minutes of their inception, and nearly half lasted 15 minutes or less.

Prevention and the importance of emergency planning

According to The Final Report and Findings of the Safe School Initiative, future attacks may be preventable. The short duration of most incidents of targeted school violence underscores the importance of developing preventive measures in addition to emergency planning for a school or school district. The California Education Code mandates each school have (all-hazard) plan, the plan be drafted in consultation with law enforcement and emergency services personnel, and updated by March 1 each year.

Learn more about California's safe school planning