Responding to an Active Violence Incident (AVI)

What is an Active Violence Incident (AVI)?

An Active Violence Incident (AVI) involves one or more individuals actively attempting to harm or kill others, often in crowded, confined locations. These attackers may be armed with firearms, bladed weapons, or use vehicles and other means to cause mass harm.

On average, the United States experiences approximately 22 AVIs each year. These incidents can occur in a wide variety of places—malls, businesses, healthcare facilities, government properties, schools, institutions of higher learning, and other locations where people gather. Importantly, 50% of all AVIs conclude before law enforcement arrives, emphasizing the need for individual preparedness.

At Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), your safety is a top priority. The NOVA Police Department works proactively to educate and prepare students, faculty, and staff for emergency situations, including AVIs. Understanding how to respond can save lives.

The National Law Enforcement Response Time

The average response time from the first 911 call to the arrival of law enforcement is approximately 3 minutes. In those crucial early moments, your actions matter. Having a plan will help you respond quickly and effectively.

NOVA's Recommended Response Strategy: Avoid, Deny, Defend

  • Your first option should always be to get away.
  • Know your exits, including alternate ones like windows or fire escapes.
  • Leave belongings behind and move to a safe location.
  • Call 911 when safe to do so.

  • If escape is not possible, secure your location.
  • Lock doors, turn off lights, silence phones, and stay out of sight.
  • Barricade the entrance if possible.

  • As a last resort, be prepared to fight back.
  • Use improvised weapons, yell, and do whatever is necessary to stop the attacker.
  • Your survival may depend on it.

When officers from NOVA Police or local law enforcement respond, their immediate mission is to neutralize the threat. They will not stop to assist the injured or evacuees until the threat has been contained. Keep your hands visible, follow commands, and avoid sudden movements.

NOVA Police Training: Civilian Response and Casualty Care (CRCC)

To better equip our NOVA community, the NOVA Police Department offers training through the nationally recognized Civilian Response and Casualty Care (CRCC) program, developed by Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT).

This course teaches: The Avoid, Deny, Defend principles Basic trauma first aid techniques to help manage injuries often sustained during AVIs. Realistic strategies for response and survivalTraining is available to students, faculty, and staff across all NOVA campuses.

For more information or to schedule a training session, please contact:

Lieutenant Matthew Borders, NOVA Police Department