Shootings
Fortunately shootings are still very rare in the UK; however that said we must never be complacent. In the event of a gun related incident, the safety of YOURSELF and OTHERS is paramount!
Shootings in the Night Time Economy are more likely to occur at certain types of events, where drugs and/or gang related activity is a significant factor.
Shootings inside the venue
Shootings inside the building will normally be targed at a particular individual. This may be for business (drugs), respect (gang), or for personal reasons. In these situations it will cause panic in the immediate area surrounding the victim. It may be there is more than one casualty. This could be deliberate or poor shooting. Believe it or not, it is very easy to miss completely with a handgun - from relatively close range - even when the targets made of wood! Having, fired the shots, the shooter will run, and use the threat of the weapon to make good their escape. Do not try and stop them - they have a gun - you have an SIA badge. If they don't run you've got a bigger problem, which we'll look at later on as the website builds.
Shootings outside the venue
Shootings outside the building are usually drive-bys, with either the venue or you as the target. It is wise to wear PPE which can give you some protection, such as flak-jackets/stab-vests etc. Position the queue to give you maximum visibility of traffic. In a one way street this should be with the flow so both queue and traffic approach you from the same direction. On a two-way street position the queue in the same way. All traffic approaching from your rear, will now be on the other side of the road. Consequently the distance will be increased affecting the shooters accuracy and the queue will soon let you know if someone has pulled a gun. This will buy you time - not much - but maybe enough for you to put your procedures into action.
For both types of incident you could use some of the following suggestions
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Follow your Emergency Procedures for this type of incident. If you don't have them develop them and send them to National Doorwatch.
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Call for back-up to help with the crowd.
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Call for the 1st Aider
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Do not let anyone into the Crime Scene other than medical assistance until relieved by the Police
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Enter the details in your pocketbook