By Sammy Davis, Owner of D5 Consulting Group LLC
As a law enforcement professional with over 18 years of experience, including a decade-long career as a SWAT member and first responder at one of New York State’s largest mass casualty shootings, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact that violence can have on communities. Sadly, despite all the progress we’ve made in safety and security, workplace and school violence remain persistent threats that don’t seem to be slowing down.
What’s truly unsettling is that many schools and businesses don’t believe it will happen to them—until it does. It’s an all-too-common mindset. You may look at incidents of violence elsewhere and feel a sense of distance, thinking your environment is safe. But the truth is, no one ever expects to be the next headline. The reality is that violence can happen anywhere, and we have entered an era where it’s no longer enough to assume it won’t. We must be proactive and vigilant.
At D5 Consulting Group, we understand the risks that businesses and schools face today. Having worked on SWAT for years, responding to some of the most dangerous situations imaginable, including active shooters, I can tell you that preparation saves lives. We cannot eliminate the risk of violence, but we can take steps to mitigate it.
What does being proactive look like? It starts with acknowledging the potential threat and putting measures in place to address it. This includes workplace violence training, which ensures that employees are not only aware of the risks but also trained in how to handle potential situations. From identifying early warning signs to learning the best ways to respond, proper training ensures that people are prepared.
Schools, in particular, have a responsibility to protect their students and staff. This involves implementing de-escalation techniques and ensuring teachers, administrators, and security staff are equipped to respond to a variety of scenarios. Too often, situations escalate because people are not trained in how to calm tensions or diffuse conflicts. Teaching de-escalation techniques can prevent many incidents from turning into full-scale tragedies.
We live in a time where it’s no longer enough to hope for the best—we must prepare for the worst. The good news is that there are tangible steps we can take to safeguard our environments. Businesses and schools alike need to develop comprehensive safety plans that include regular trainings, drills, and open discussions about the threat of violence.
Being prepared doesn’t just mean having a plan; it means actively engaging your team and community to make sure everyone is on the same page. While it’s uncomfortable to talk about, addressing workplace or school violence head-on is the only way we can hope to reduce its occurrence.
At D5 Consulting, we’re committed to offering expert training that draws from real-world experience. My time as a SWAT officer, where I dealt with the gravest of threats, has provided me with insights into crisis management and the importance of preparation. I’ve been in those situations where seconds matter and having the right training can make the difference between life and death.
No one wants to think it will happen to them, but preparation is key. Reach out to us today to learn more about how you can safeguard your business or school. In today’s world, the best defense is being ready before anything happens.
Stay safe, stay vigilant,
Sammy Davis
Owner, D5 Consulting Group LLC
Officer Law Enforcement Professional & Former SWAT
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