Current Projects

Development of training courses for the New York Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services: Advanced Active Shooter Scenario (A2S2) (Mumbai-level incident) (2-course suite)

Advanced Active Shooter Scenario: The purpose of this training is to provide an initial, general and conceptual overview with respect to the development of advanced-level, multiple “active shooter” training programs in support of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and its State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC).

A2S2s provide training for federal, state, and local emergency responders to combat potential terrorist-instigated attacks against the United States, and in particular the state of New York, in which the use of small-arms fire, automatic weapons, and explosives (both IEDs and VBIEDS) are used in concert in a coordinated attack against a jurisdiction at multiple locations. Moreover, the attack would be sustained over a prolonged period of time (excess of 12 hours), overwhelming any local jurisdiction’s capability of responding effectively without significant assistance and support from other local agencies across the region, in addition to state and/or federal assistance. Such an attack would most likely occur without warning and would result in a high number of casualties among civilians, law enforcement officers, and other emergency response personnel. Although many of the casualties would be fatalities, it is likely that many more would involve injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening, requiring both on-scene emergency care and transport to medical facilities. Another likely consequence of such an incident is significant (usually localized) destruction of property and infrastructure from explosives, particularly Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). It is likely that a jurisdiction’s response to such an occurrence would require the resources of both law enforcement and civilian bomb technician teams, should unexploded ordinance be found or suspected, as well as fire-rescue teams (potential urban search-and-rescue or USAR and emergency medical service or EMS). This clearly creates the potential of secondary explosive devices targeted against emergency response personnel.

Fortunately, there has yet to be such an attack on U.S. soil. However, there have been attacks such as this elsewhere in the world. Of particular note are the coordinated attacks that occurred in Mumbai, India (11/26/08, employing firearms and explosives), London (7/7/05, employing multiple explosives), and Kabul, Afghanistan (2/11/09, employing a mix of firearms and explosives). All demonstrated well-planned and coordinated attacks. The potential of another such attack was elevated in July 2009 with the arrest of several U.S. citizens in North Carolina who had allegedly been training, equipping, and plotting overseas Jihad-like attacks.  The threat of a coordinated terrorist attack against the United States as a nation and the state of New York in particular is considered very real. As a result both the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services are engaged in efforts to build and expand capabilities necessary to prevent, protect against, and respond to terrorist acts.   

Advanced Active Shooters Scenario (A2S2) Tactics and Operations (T&O) Course: The NCSP developed and now delivers the A2S2 T&O course at the State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC) in support of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (NYSDHSES). The A2S2 T&O course is a rigorous course combining skill and knowledge development with functionally integrated, scenario-based training. The course is intended to help law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and bomb technicians prepare for an attack by well-trained and -coordinated terrorists using firearms and IEDs against responders at multiple targets within a jurisdiction or region. The fast-paced training is conducted over a two-day period within various realistic training venues at the SPTC. The NCSP instructional team is comprised of subject matter experts from across New York State and the nation. The NCSP instructional team works hand in hand with the staff of the SPTC and the NYSDHSES. In addition, the NCSP employs over 22 role players engaged as either “aggressors” or as “non-aggressor victims.” The role players add significantly to the realism of the scenario-based training.