• With Active Shooter scenario’s becoming more common, the Cannabis Industry could become a major target
  • While Cannabusinesses have strict security requirements, Active Shooter Training is not one of them
  • The City of Flint is holding a free training July 16th

According to the FBI, there have been over 200 active shooter incidents since 2000. This may not seem like a large amount, but the number of incidents per year has been steadily increasing. With the rapid expansion of the marijuana industry across the country, cannabusinesses are likely to be a target due to the cash-based nature of the cannabis industry.

The FBI’s “Study of Active Shooter Incidents in the United States Between 2000 and 2013” reports that, in the 63 incidents which the duration of the shooting could be determined, 70 percent ended in five minutes or less while twenty-three incidents ended in two minutes or less. The report goes on to say that “even when law enforcement was present, civilians often had to make life and death decisions, and, therefore, should be engaged in training and discussions on decisions they may face.”

Why should you consider active shooter training?

The legal cannabis industry is quickly expanding but federal regulations have not kept pace with the states and municipalities adopting ordinances. The legal marijuana industry does not have access to the federal banking system due to cannabis being a schedule 1 controlled substance. Because of this, thieves have been targeting cash-heavy cannabis businesses. Consequently, active shooter incidents have already occurred in states that have a legal cannabis industry. Some recent events are:

  • Security guard, Travis Mason, killed at the Green Heart dispensary in Aurora, Colorado
  • Security guard, Anthony Victor Pineda, killed in San Bernardino dispensary shooting
  • Walnut Park dispensary owner survived a shootout during robbery
  • Derek Worden survived two bullet wounds outside his store in Santa Ana
  • Thieves got away with $100,000 in cash after breaking into a Seattle dispensary

Cannabusinesses must adhere to strict security requirements in order to obtain a license to operate. However, these requirements do not address preventive training on what to do when these types of incidents occur. Having a written plan on how to handle an active shooter incident and training staff members on that plan regularly with practice drills are great ways to raise awareness and protect your employees.

The City of Flint is hosting a free training Monday, July 16th at 8:00 am focusing on helping organizations understand “best practices” and develop strategies to prepare for, train to survive, and recover from active shooter and workplace violence incidents.

Time:

Registration: 8:00 am – 8:30 am
Course: 8:30 am – 11:30 am

Location:

City of Flint
City Hall in the City Council Chambers
1101 Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502

Registration is required:

Don Lewis, Safety Coordinator/Operations Supervisor
Email: Dlewis@cityofflint.com
Phone: 810-282-5176
There is no fee to attend.