Through the recent decade, gun violence and mass shootings have become a major issue in the United States. These violent shootings have occurred throughout the country and have claimed numerous lives. As the number of shootings increases, politicians, law enforcement officials, and civilians alike have attempted to try to prevent these events. There have been many suggestions and possible solutions, although none of these attempts have been completely successful. After numerous methods and attempts, it has become evident that there is no means to prevent mass shootings altogether. Rather than focusing entirely on preventing these events, we should prepare people to survive them in order to prevent as many casualties as possible should an event occur. 

Both past and recent events have shown that gun violence and mass shootings have become a major issue in the United States. Through the last several years, the country has suffered many tragic shootings. Some of the most well-known include the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School; San Bernardino, California; Virginia Tech; and Newtown, Connecticut. These shootings have resulted in hundreds of casualties and senseless loss of lives. Between the shooting at Newtown, Connecticut and February 2014 there had been twenty eight people killed in forty four school shootings throughout the country (Pilkington). Although there have been mass shootings occurring for decades, it has most recently become a hot button issue in American politics. As more events occur and more lives are lost, the issue will continue to gain attention from the media. The American people have begun to recognize that the leaders of this country must take steps to prevent these violent events and end the senseless killings. 

With the increasing rise in mass shootings throughout the last decade it has become common for people to discuss how, or if, these tragic events can be prevented. There have been numerous and diverse suggestions of how these shootings can be prevented. These possible solutions differ based on the political and moral alignments of those suggesting them. Most suggested solutions are not backed by research or previous evidence. Many of these solutions are based around increasing restrictions and laws related to guns. Although there has been an increase in gun restrictions in the last century, the perpetrators in the recent mass shootings have been able to acquire the weapons necessary to commit the violence (Reynolds). Although there are certain laws that can be enforced more thoroughly, it has become evident that laws will not be enough to prevent violent attacks. Another suggestion is to find the cause of these mass shootings and better understand what leads to them. However, without a psychiatric evaluation of everyone in the United States it would be impossible to prevent violent acts this way. Even with the many suggested and attempted methods to prevent mass shootings, there has been no evidence that any of these solutions have or would prevent these acts. 

The increasing number of mass shootings have led to numerous attempts to prevent these events from occurring in the future. There have been many suggestions and possible solutions to prevent mass shootings. Although some of these ideas may be logical, many of them are unlikely to occur in American society. One of the most common arguments and suggestions to prevent mass shootings is to implement restrictions on firearms. There have been many suggestions on how to regulate guns to prevent these events. One of the most extreme suggestions is to completely restrict guns to civilians. Although the exact definition has recently been an issue of debate, Americans citizens' right to own and possess firearms is protected under the Second Amendment to the Constitution. Another commonly proposed suggestion is to restrict certain firearms or place certain limits on firearms' capabilities. The most common example of this is the current limits on automatic weapons and suppressors. Although these restrictions can be overpassed with the proper permit, they prevent these weapons from falling into the wrong hands. California has placed limits on magazine capacities, preventing anyone from possessing more than ten round magazines. Although this has been a suggested solution for the rest of the nation, it proved to be inadequate in San Bernardino, California where the shooters used magazines exceeding thirty rounds. Another suggestion, outside of direct gun control, is to limit ammunition (Parker). Although it would not be an easy feat, limiting the amount of ammunition one could purchase seems to be more likely to be implemented than gun control. Although it is more common to attempt to implement new laws, it is first necessary that the current laws be more actively enforced. Although background checks are necessary for all firearm purchases through licensed dealers, they are often not done to the necessary extent. Before more laws can be established the current laws must first be properly enforced. Background checks can often be ineffective and can often block the wrong people from purchasing firearms (Lott). Restrictions on guns, or simple gun control, have become a major issue among political lines. The issue has become so heated that any attempt to implement legislation results in a massive argument between parties. According to John Lott Jr., the president of the Crime Prevention Research Center, "we should point out that France's strict weapon bans didn't stop the terrorists from getting the AK-47s and explosive belts they used in the attacks" (Lott). With no evidence that gun laws will prevent mass shootings, it's time that America moves toward a more effective and live saving solution. 

There is no limit to the numerous suggestions for preventing gun violence. Some have even suggested that the United States should invest in "smart gun" technology (Kristof). Making guns safer is a valid means to prevent accidental shootings. However, the use of passwords or fingerprints to use firearms is excessive and could actually result in more danger. Nicholas Kristof with the New York Times suggests that guns be treated like cars. The same way safeguards are used in automobiles, safeties should be developed in firearms. Kristof also goes as far as suggesting the implementation of liability insurance for firearms. However, gun manufacturers have been developing safer weapons for decades. The Glock Safe Action Pistol line is guaranteed not to go off unless the trigger is squeezed with 5.5 pounds of steady pressure. These guns utilize a trigger bar safety, a drop safety, and a firing pin safety (Glock, Inc.). The issue with accidental gun deaths are not because of unsafe firearms, but because of an unfamiliararity with firearms. The most effective way to prevent accidental shootings is to familiarize people with firearms. Even if one is not going to use a gun, or is against firearms, it is still relevant that everyone know how to handle a firearm. Although safer firearms and familiarization with guns may be effective means of preventing accidental shootings, these methods will not prevent the violent nature of mass shootings.

Aside from gun restrictions, there have been other suggestions to prevent mass shootings. One of these suggestions is to attempt to predict these events before they occur. Many of these shootings are caused by the mental health of the shooters. However, the mental health issue is often overlooked. "In the national discourse about reducing gun violence, mental health treatment has received much less attention than banning assault weapons" (Associated Press). One of the most common ways to predict events before they occur is through behavioral analysis. The FBI is world famous for their ability to catch criminals by using their psychological "profiles" to predict their actions. In 2013 alone, the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit was able to prevent nearly 150 mass shootings through psychological evaluation (Associated Press). Many of these suspected violent offenders were refereed to mental health experts where they could get the help they needed. However, before these perpetrators can be discovered, they often have to be reported by to the police. Recently, a mother in Missouri reported her son for planning to attack a movie theater at the premier of the last Twilight film (Knoll IV). After a police investigation, it was found that he was armed and indeed had planned to attack the theater. Without reports like these, it would be extremely difficult for law enforcement to prevent these shootings. Although this is an effective method and hundreds of crimes are prevented each year, it is impossible to predict every incident before it occurs.

There is no limit to the numerous suggestions for preventing gun violence. Some have even suggested that the United States should invest in "smart gun" technology (Kristof). Making guns safer is a valid means to prevent accidental shootings. However, the use of passwords or fingerprints to use firearms is excessive and could actually result in more danger. Nicholas Kristof with the New York Times suggests that guns be treated like cars. The same way safeguards are used in automobiles, safeties should be developed in firearms. Kristof also goes as far as suggesting the implementation of liability insurance for firearms. However, gun manufacturers have been developing safer weapons for decades. The Glock Safe Action Pistol line is guaranteed not to go off unless the trigger is squeezed with 5.5 pounds of steady pressure. These guns utilize a trigger bar safety, a drop safety, and a firing pin safety (Glock, Inc.). The issue with accidental gun deaths are not because of unsafe firearms, but because of an unfamiliararity with firearms. The most effective way to prevent accidental shootings is to familiarize people with firearms. Even if one is not going to use a gun, or is against firearms, it is still relevant that everyone know how to handle a firearm. Although safer firearms and familiarization with guns may be effective means of preventing accidental shootings, these methods will not prevent the violent nature of mass shootings.

Without a sure method to prevent mass shootings, the next best option is to learn how to limit the number of casualties and victims that are incurred during the shootings. Throughout the years and in light of the increasing number of shootings, people have focused more on policy than they have people. Politicians have turned this into an excuse to push policy and promote laws rather than focus on the victims and their families. If saving lives is the main purpose, then the focus should not be on policy, but on preparation. In order to save as many lives as possible it is crucial that people know how to respond when, or if a shooting should occur.

There are several different suggested solutions to prevent casualties when mass shootings occur. Many schools have begun to use resource officers as a means to prevent violence in schools (Crawford). Although these officers can prevent a level of violence in schools, there is no way to ensure they can prevent a mass shooting. In the case of shooting, the officer may be killed or not in a position to stop the shooter. Even with the use of these officers, it is still necessary that people are prepared to act in case of an active shooter. One popular outline for reacting to an active shooter scenario is the run, hide, fight model. In this model, which has been taught for decades, every possible scenario is solved by three major actions (Ready Houston). The first, and best option in any scenario is to run. If one has the ability to escape from the hot zone where the shooter is located, they should do so immediately. As long as it is safe to escape that should always be the first option. If escape is not possible, the second option is to hide. In an active shooter scenario, hiding involves more than just being out of sight. In the military and law enforcement environment, this is defined by the difference between concealment and cover. Concealment prevents the person hiding from being visible, while cover provides a level of ballistic protection should the shooter attempt to shoot through the object. Hiding behind cover will prevent the shooter from locating and killing the individual. If the situation continues to escalate, the individual may be forced to turn to the last option; fight. Fighting back should always be the last ditch option, especially for those that have no tactical or combat training. The only time it becomes necessary to fight back is when the shooter is about to find the hiding location and may become an imminent threat. It is best to find a makeshift weapon to use in the case of fight becoming necessary. If being engaged in a fight becomes necessary, it is important to take the shooter by surprise and with force. In order to properly use the Run, Hide, Fight model, it is important to be familiar with the escalation process from one step to the next.

 Whatever model is used, it is necessary that people are properly training and prepared to act should the need arise. Proper preparation is the number one factor in surviving an active shooter event. The FBI has begun to provide training for law enforcement agencies on how to best respond to active shooter events. They recently released a training video titled "The Coming Storm" that provides a fictional example of an active shooter event being played out and how law enforcement should respond to effectively resolve the issue (The FBI). This same style of training can be used by civilians as well. Although this particular video is focused on the law enforcement perspective, there are similar resources available for businesses and schools. In order to properly prepare for such an event, it is necessary to practice. This theory works similar to a fire drill or a tornado drill in school. An active shooter drill would be easy to implement during a lockdown drill at school. Although the students will not be able to individually attend training, the teachers and administrators should be trained in active shooter procedures. Outside of schools, this same theory can be applied to offices or businesses. Just as each business has a plan and procedure for a fire, a procedure should also be developed for an active shooter incident. "An Active Shooter Plan can be a separate standalone document or it can be a part of the organization's Emergency Action Plan. No matter where the plan is located, it should be relevant to the specific site, and the organization should provide training and exercises on a regular basis. Every employee, contractor and property guest should be aware of their responsibilities, the communication process and possible actions to take in the event of a shooting incident" (Doss). Some of the major components to consider include: where can employees find cover? Where is the best room to hide? And what is the best escape route from the building? By simply knowing how to react, many lives can be spared in the event a shooing occurs.

With the numerous methods being proposed to prevent mass shootings, America has lost focus on the number one goal of these methods: saving lives. Politicians have used gun violence and violent mass shootings as a means to increase gun regulations for years. It's time that peoples' lives are placed above political ideals and the proper steps are taken to save lives. People need to be trained and prepared to survive an active shooter scenario when or if it occurs. 

