WHAT TO DO WITH AN ARMED INTRUDER

I believe lawyers are at particular risk for an armed intruder. Every law office should have a specific plan for dealing with armed intruders. There are three basic steps of action:

Escape if you can. (Plan designated escape routes)
Hide under a desk or in a closet or anywhere you can find.
If left with no choice, fight back. (Do not beg for your life!)

The best example of fighting back is the female school board member in Florida who swung her purse at a gunman intent on shooting the school board. She was not shot. (Note: the rules for dealing with a robber are different.) Your firm should also develop plans for dealing with other emergencies such as fire, storms, and earthquakes. You can find detailed guidelines for dealing with an armed intruder on our website. Information courtesy of Former Secret Service Agent Larry Rowlett of Presidential Security and Training Services, LLC.