Columbine High School Shooting Was a Catalyst for Change
The 20 April 1999 Columbine High School shooting was the catalyst that sparked a revolution in the way law enforcement prepares for and responds to active shooter attacks. Tactics, techniques, and procedures were completely revamped for law enforcement agencies across the country. Training was completely overhauled and training centers were created over the years to assist law enforcement in developing active shooter response teams, solo officer response, rescue task forces, medical intervention, and integrated training for civilian response. Changes in training have resulted in more rapid engagements of active shooters by law enforcement, substantially reducing the amount of time active shooters have to commit their horrific crimes, and faster medical interventions for those suffering from live-threatening wounds.
A 2019 journal article published by the Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, authored by M. Hunter Martindale and J. Pete Blair, chronologically details the changes that were implemented in the aftermath of Columbine.