Our Active Assailant Research and Training

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The Foundation

Threat Suppression is dedicated to the systematic study of active assailant incidents and the development of evidence-based preparedness, response, and recovery programs. We focus on improving operational performance during high-risk incidents through integrated coordination among law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency communications, healthcare, and emergency management.

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Unlike many training organizations, our personnel are not only researchers of active assailant incidents. We are responders. We have commanded and responded to active assailant attacks, terrorist incidents, and other complex critical events. This operational experience forms the foundation of every training program, exercise, assessment, and consulting engagement we provide.

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Research and Evidence

Since 2005, we have conducted more than 50,000 hours of structured research on active assailant incidents, offender behavior, emergency response, and targeted violence. We have designed and conducted more than 125 integrated full-scale exercises involving law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency communications, healthcare, and emergency management agencies, including exercises at major international transportation hubs. We have facilitated more than 150 tabletop exercises for public safety agencies, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, critical infrastructure operators, and private-sector leadership.

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In 2015, we published the world's first doctoral dissertation focused on integrated active assailant response: Analysis of Records that Demonstrate an Active Shooter Response Plan Utilizing 32 Large-Scale Exercises (Northcentral University). The research examined empirical data from full-scale exercises to evaluate integrated response models and interagency coordination. To download the dissertation, click here.

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In 2025, in partnership with Guidepost Solutions, we were selected by Oakland County, Michigan, to support development of the independent after-action report for the 2021 Oxford High School shooting. The project involved nine months of structured research, document review, interviews, and subject matter expert analysis. The completed report has become a significant resource for agencies evaluating active assailant preparedness and response. This report is available here.

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Real-World Impact

We have trained more than 200,000 public safety professionals and military personnel representing more than 5,000 agencies across five continents. This training has contributed to measurable outcomes.

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Based on formal documentation provided by partner agencies, our training and consultation have contributed to the prevention of at least 15 planned acts of targeted violence, including planned school attacks. These outcomes are based on behavioral threat assessment and management efforts we supported within educational institutions, government agencies, and other organizations.

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Government agencies have formally documented that our training provided operational guidance during at least 15 active assailant incidents. These acknowledgments are based on after-action reports, agency correspondence, and direct feedback from incident commanders and operational personnel. Agencies have advised that concepts taught during Threat Suppression training were directly applied during real-world incidents and contributed to successful operational outcomes.

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Vendor Independence

We maintain a vendor-neutral approach to all equipment and technology evaluations. We have assessed law enforcement equipment, emergency medical equipment, ballistic protection, breaching tools, weapons platforms, acoustic gunshot detection systems, lockdown technologies, mass notification systems, behavioral threat assessment tools, and intelligence collection platforms. More than 300 companies have sought our input during product research and development. We do not endorse products or accept compensation tied to product sales.

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Our Training Programs

Our flagship course, "Joint Public Safety Response to the Active Assailant", is a structured, research-based program supported by more than 400 cited sources, including peer-reviewed literature. Agencies across the United States and internationally have adopted this course as a required component of responder training.

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We offer specialized courses for different audiences and operational contexts.

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For Integrated Response Teams

• Joint Public Safety Response to the Active Assailant

• 9-1-1 Communicator Response to the Active Assailant

• Active Assailant Rescue Task Force Training

• Active Assailant Incident Command: Beyond the 60-Minute Mark

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For Leadership and Administration

• School Administrator Response to the Active Assailant

• Active Assailant Capable Guardian

 

For Specialized Environments

• Active Assailant in the Hospital

• Active Assailant in the Workplace

 

For Train-the-Trainer and Community Implementation

• Active Assailant Train-the-Trainer

• Active Assailant Tabletop Game

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Contact Us

If you would like more information on Threat Suppression's training, please email info@ThreatSuppression.com or call 1-800-231-9106.