Analyzing the impact of concealed carry weapons and school resource officers on school shootings: An agent-based modeling approach

Nicholas B. Harrell; Richard E. Weston; Santino P. Alteri; Krassimir T. Tzvetanov; J. Eric Dietz

doi:10.5055/jem.0818

Authors

Nicholas B. Harrell, PhD Student https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9929-9642
Richard E. Weston, MS
Santino P. Alteri
Krassimir T. Tzvetanov, MS
J. Eric Dietz, PhD, PE

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.0818

Keywords:

concealed carry, active shooter, policy, emergency management

Abstract

This paper presents a simulation modeling study that examines the potential benefit of arming public school staff members with concealed carry weapons (CCWs) in combination with school resource officers (SROs) during active shooter events. By simulating real or hypothetical situations and altering various parameters, simulation modeling allows researchers to explore the potential factors that may influence the outcome of such situations. This study will analyze literature on active shootings to identify key characteristics that may impact the outcome of an event and will use an actual school active shooter event as a basis for developing a simulation model. The researchers will then introduce a CCW carrier and an SRO into the scenario to assess the potential impact and outcomes of such a change. The results of this study may inform the development of effective policies and procedures for addressing active shooter events in public settings.

Author Biographies

Nicholas B. Harrell, PhD Student

Researcher, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

Richard E. Weston, MS

Project Manager, Nomad Global Communication Solutions, Huntsville, Alabama

Santino P. Alteri

Graduate Research Assistant, Purdue Polytechnic Institute, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

Krassimir T. Tzvetanov, MS

Computer and Information Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

J. Eric Dietz, PhD, PE

Director, Purdue Homeland Security Institute; Director, Purdue Military Research Institute; Professor of Computer and Information Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

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