A.L.I.C.E.

Today, our guest speaker was Officer Patricia Potter with the Wheaton Police Department.
 
What is A.L.I.C.E.? It is the acronym for Alert - Lockdown - Inform - Counter - Evacuate. 
 
A.L.I.C.E. is a method of active shooter response training designed for adoption as part of the safety programs of  schools, workplaces and other communities organizations. The Wheaton Police Department provides A.L.I.C.E. training to U.S.D. 200, local businesses, and community organizations.  
 
Officer Potter presented a brief overview of the program:
  • Alert: Alert is when you first become aware of a threat. The sooner you understand that you’re in danger, the sooner you can save yourself. A speedy response is critical. 
  • Lockdown: If evacuation is not a safe option, barricade entry points into your room in an effort to create a semi-secure starting point.
  • Inform: The purpose of Inform is to continue to communicate information in as real time as possible, if it is safe to do so. Armed intruder situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly, which means that ongoing, real time information is key to making effective survival decisions. Video surveillance, 911 calls and PA announcements are just a few of the channels that may be used by employees, safety officers, and other personnel to inform others.
  • Counter: Counter is a strategy of last resort. Counter focuses on actions that create noise, movement, distance and distraction with the intent of reducing the shooter’s ability to shoot accurately. Creating a dynamic environment decreases the shooter’s chance of hitting a target and can provide the precious seconds needed in order to evacuate.
  • Evacuate: A.L.I.C.E. provides techniques for safer and more strategic evacuations. Evacuating to a safe area takes people out of harm’s way and hopefully prevents civilians from having to come into any contact with the shooter.
Additional information can be found at:
  • https://www.wheaton.il.us/321/Police-Department
  • https://www.alicetraining.com/about-us/
  • https://www.alicetraining.com/our-program/alice-training/