The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a component of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is offering a free, in-person workshop in South Portland, Maine, on August 19 from 8 a.m. to noon. The training will focus on active shooter preparedness, providing participants with practical strategies, planning considerations, and nationally recognized best practices to help enhance school safety and resilience in the event of an active shooter incident. This is not a tactical training course.
School administrators, safety personnel, and emergency planning teams are encouraged to take advantage of this professional development opportunity to strengthen school emergency preparedness and response capabilities. The workshop is designed to support organizations in preparing for and responding to active shooter incidents through planning, preparedness, and coordinated response strategies.
Training Objectives:
- Discuss the elements of active shooter incident response planning with guidance from expert instructors.
- Describe common behaviors, potential violence indicators, and situations associated with active shooter incidents.
- Share best practices, communications protocols, and resources to assist stakeholders in developing or enhancing their emergency planning, preparedness, and response to active shooter incidents.
Target Audience:
- Organizational leaders/decision makers
- Emergency managers and planners
- Corporate and on-site security professionals
- Human resource managers
- Supervisory staff
- Community response officials
- School administrators and security officers
Registration Information:
- No cost
- Opens on July 20, 2026
- Limited to 170 participants
- Closes no later than August 14, 2026, at noon
- Please limit registration to no more than three personnel per organization
- Note: Event logistics will be sent via email on Friday prior to the workshop
Preparing personnel for a potential active shooter situation is a critical component of organizational emergency and response planning. Because these incidents are often unpredictable and can escalate rapidly, understanding how to respond—and acting quickly—can save lives. Every second counts, and informed, practiced response strategies can make a meaningful difference during an emergency.
Training event agenda (PDF)
Training event flyer (PDF)
For further information and resources on active shooter preparedness, visit the CISA Active Shooter Preparedness website. For further information and questions about this training, email: central@cisa.dhs.gov.
