Active Shooter Preparedness for Pawn Shops

While rare, active shooter events in retail have become a real possibility even for pawn shops. With cash, valuables, and, sometimes, guns on display, pawn shops are especially motivated to plan for the worst. Proper preparedness improves survival, minimizes chaos, and ensures you’re legally and morally protected if an unthinkable event happens.

Active Shooter: What Does It Mean?

• Active Shooter Definition: Someone actively killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area usually with a firearm, though knives or other weapons are possible.
• Why Pawn Shops May Be Targeted: High perceived value, customer crowds, and public access.
• Goal for Staff: Stay safe, help others, contact police, never play hero; survival and clear communication come first.

Preparedness Steps for Pawn Shop Owners

1. Develop a Written Emergency Action Plan:
   • Map and label all exits, secure back rooms, and hiding places. Mark these on a visible, staff-only diagram.
   • Include both “evacuate” and “shelter in place” scenarios.
   • Post emergency numbers and instructions at each phone and in break rooms.
2. Training The Run, Hide, Fight Model:
   • Run: If a safe exit is available, get out even if others stay behind.
   • Hide: If escape isn’t safe, get out of view, lock/block doors, silence phones.
   • Fight: Only as last resort, use anything available to incapacitate the attacker; coordinate if more than one person is present.
3. Conduct Staff Drills:
   • Hold an annual or semi-annual “what if” meeting to rehearse procedures.
   • Walk through your space as a team identify safe rooms and bottlenecks.
4. Coordinate With Police:
   • Invite your local precinct for a walkthrough. Ask their advice about safe exits, barricades, and communication protocols.
   • Share your contact and emergency plan so responders have advance knowledge.
5. Prepare Phone, Intercom, and Panic Systems:
   • Assign staff to call 911 and relay clear details if possible (location, number, description of attacker).
   • Test all panic buttons and silent alarms monthly, and ensure remote monitoring companies have clear instructions on escalation.

Physical Enhancements for Safety

• Install door locks/barricades that can be engaged instantly from inside offices or storage rooms.
• Frost window glass or use curtains to shield staff areas from line-of-sight attacks.
• Keep heavy objects or store racks near entrances for throwing/blocking if needed.

Employee Support After an Event

• Set up access to counseling or employee assistance programs after any traumatic event.
• Document what went right/wrong and update plans accordingly.
• Publicly recognize employees who follow protocols they are the best role models for future safety culture.

Legal and HR Notes

• Emergency plan documentation and training lessen employer liability after an event and often reduce insurance risk.

Summary

You never expect an active shooter, but planning and drills can make your staff safer and calmer in true emergencies. Small investments in education and preparation can make a big difference if the worst ever happens.