Patrick V. Fiel Sr. is the founder of PVF Security Consulting. He has over 40 years of experience in managing law enforcement and security organizations. He served as the Executive Director of Security for the Washington D.C. Public Schools and worked with thousands of schools to provide security services and solutions. He can be reached at (910) 789-4265 or pvfiel@gmail.com.
School administrators, staff, and local emergency responders must complete a thorough risk assessment and all-hazards assessment of schools and their campuses.
Mass shootings in the U.S. have increased despite widespread closures of schools, businesses, and many public places due to the coronavirus pandemic. There were 615 mass shootings in 2020 resulting in 521 deaths and 2,541 injuries. Compared to the previous year, there were 181 more incidents. The stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, job loses, unemployment, and the economic crisis is a potential for a disaster which could lead to an increase of violence at the workplace. The recent spike in gun incidences and stolen weapons across the United States is alarming. Businesses need to take heed and increase security measures to protect their employees and staff.
Churches and Places of Worship welcome people in with open doors, but that could be the window of opportunity that leaves them vulnerable to someone with bad intentions.