Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE)

What is CRASE?

CRASE stands for Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events, a training program developed by the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) program at Texas State University. It is based on the Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD) strategy created in 2004 to help civilians survive active shooter situations.

Purpose and Focus

CRASE is designed to equip individuals — from law enforcement to the general public — with strategies, guidance, and a proven plan for responding to active shooter events. It addresses the reality that law enforcement may not arrive in time, and civilians often have only minutes to act.

Core Strategy: Avoid, Deny, Defend

• Avoid – Move away from the threat as quickly as possible, creating distance and barriers.

• Deny – If escape is impossible, hide, create obstacles, and remain out of sight and sound.

• Defend – If you cannot avoid or deny, protect yourself aggressively and decisively www.avoiddenydefend.org.

Course Content:

Typical CRASE topics include:

• History and prevalence of active shooter events

• Civilian response options

• Medical considerations

• Role of professional guardians

• Conducting drills and preparedness plans

  
  

Why It Matters

The FBI recognizes ALERRT as the national standard for active shooter response training. CRASE helps reduce the risk of injury or death by ensuring civilians know how to act quickly and effectively in life-threatening situations.

If you want to learn CRASE, you can:

• Request a private session for your organization

*Duration can vary depending on class size, pace, and participant engagement. Some in-person sessions may run a few hours or less if the class is interactive and questions are addressed in real time