Texas State University researchers tracked 520 attacks from 2000 to 2022 involving primarily guns but also knives and vehicles. Its research found civilians stopped 78 attacks with many involving security guards and off-duty police. Civilians used physical force to overwhelm the shooter in two out of three incidents. Compare that to the 26 incidents involving armed civilians who engaged, a tally involving 5% of the incidents throughout the 23-year review. Many of these involved armed security.

In addition to the priceless loss of life, Everytown For Gun Safety researchers last year estimated that gun violence costs the U.S. approximately $557 billion annually or 2.6% of the gross domestic product.

Who foots that bill? We all do.

Instead of counterproductive action - even if born out of zeal - arm yourself with the ability to speak productively with others about the effectiveness of laws, policies, and personal habits that can reduce gun violence.

Sometimes challenges in safety have little to do with knowing you need to improve, and more to do with finding the right information to make a change.

That's why this note today should be of particular interest to security professionals and directors, law enforcement, and school principals and administrators who may be looking for new and free training.

With Uvalde haunting school district board members and administrators daily, it’s challenging to respond when people ask if their kids are safe at school. You want to say yes. But you also hope your district is doing enough.

School shootings, especially elementary school shootings, are rare. But as parents, we don’t play odds. Here are practical ideas to help you manage concerns over the new school year.