Interview with police trainer Ron Borsch on church security teams stopping active killer incidents

Editor's note: This interview was first published on SemperVerus.com. Along with the topics of personal growth, safety, and spiritual discernment, the SemperVerus blog includes articles concerning self-defense and church security.

SemperVerus interviewed Ron Borsch, one of the world’s leading authorities on active killer attacks.

Please describe your decades of experience as a police officer and a police trainer that have given you expert insight into appropriately responding to active killer incidents.

I first served as a Military Police Officer (101st Paratroops, Viet Nam 1965-66) before serving 30 years as a Bedford Ohio, police officer. My BPD duties included Patrol, Rangemaster, SWAT, Active and Defensive Tactics trainer, and transition to auto-pistol training. Most of that time included my own-cost training during vacation at various national and international courses and conferences in multiple states and places, including Alaska and Canada, presenting at some.

My highest achievement promotion earned was that of Monadnock International Instructor, (two police baton systems and one empty-hand defensive tactics system). This was a challenging several-day process of written and proficiency practice culminating in a final proficiency examination before a panel of senior International Instructor judges. Very helpful preparation was years of experience at lesser Monadnock instructor levels.

I also earned staff instructor status with the Kent Martial Arts Club, (OH) and participation sitting on expert panels (Deadly Force, led by Massad Ayoob and Active Killer led by Don Alwes) for several years at International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA) conferences.

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Upon my retirement at BPD in 1997, harnessing my decades of experience and having earned numerous other instructor credentials in different disciplines, as a second career, the seven SEALE Chiefs of Police commissioned me to found SEALE Regional Police Training Academy at the Bedford Recreation Center serving as the manager and lead trainer (1998 to 2015). Aside from regular courses for Ohio officers, ten other states sent officers to my innovative and exclusive “Single Officers Lifesaving Others” course. SOLO was a revolutionary concept of countering active killers then, more commonly accepted today. Using my term, the “Stopwatch of Death”, Police1 editor Rachael Fretz, in a 2007 internet newsletter, interviewed a few experts, including myself, in a two-part article.

“Lifesaving Others” was a critical component to some of the courses I designed as manager of the Academy. “Working Smarter Instead of Harder” was also a critical component in my practical arrest control courses. Many particular physical resistance problems may very well be solved by adapting a martial arts tactic. Solving such problems is a good police trainer’s specialty.

One example was another of my innovations, the “Bedford Car Sweep” technique. As there was often an unnecessary muscular struggle at the resisting arrest subject’s vehicle, the patrol car, or at the booking desk. Adapting Judo principles of leverage and unbalancing, with police tactics, I solved that common problem for my agency and others. The resister’s surprise loss of balance base (both of his legs in the air, torso flat on the hood or trunk) and temporary astonishment gave the officers precious moments to complete the arrest and allow handcuff control.

Decades ago, my first law enforcement article (unpublished) was “What to do until SWAT arrives.” Intended for first-level supervision, it was issued to all seven SEALE police departments’ brass. Later, of course, for SEALE Academy, I authored a mini-manual student workbook for each of several courses I taught. I have written articles for an email published PACT newsletter for several years (now in temporary hibernation), which specialized in active killer activity. More recently, I contributed four chapters in three published books, and most recently, received an honorable mention in a fourth book, First 30 Seconds: The Active Shooter Problem. Those are in addition to authoring a couple of dozen internet-published articles. I recommend First 30 Seconds, as the author, LTC/Ret Ed Monk, followed my PACT newsletter’s Active Killer Corner since 2021, did his own research, and I am now learning more as I read his book.

Why do you prefer to use the term Rapid Mass Murder (RMM) instead of active killer (or active shooter)?

Rapid Mass Murder is the act; an Active Killer is the actor. The POTENTIAL of RMM has been 1.27 attempted murders per second as established by the 2011 Congresswoman Gabriel Giffords attempted assassination in Tucson, AZ (and a couple others). There were six murdered, 13 wounded in 15 seconds, before being stopped (by attendees). Police arrived in four minutes. That’s five attempted murders in four seconds; stunningly fast. I no longer use the deceptive averages (“six minutes or less”). This potential is far more instructive and illuminating on the rapidity with which Rapid Mass Murder and/or attempts can be committed. The implements and tools used for criminal murder are blameless as they are inanimate objects (knives, guns, arson, etc.), requiring human (NUTS [see next question]) intervention.”

The poor descriptive term active shooter, however, fails to denote a criminal act, while insulting innocent active shooters such as our honorable military, police, and citizens that practice personal shooting training and/or compete in the legal sport of shooting competition. This poor term was selected and disseminated by both unthinking police spokesmen and our anxious anti-gun media.

What is your assessment of the RMM threat level facing churches today and the reasons why churches should include armed security team volunteers in their ministry?

Targeting church congregations is a relatively new and growing RMM trend for those afflicted with Numerous Unstable or Troubling Symptoms, (“NUTS”). The inanimate tool itself is not the problem; it’s the human who activates it. The human with murder on his mind is clearly the single problem that must be focused on and seriously addressed. These days, houses of worship without a protection team that forbids trusted congregants, otherwise legal to carry, are morally irresponsible, failing to consider the potential negative and tragic consequences of their actions, while unintentionally “inviting” an active killer attack. “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences” — Proverbs 22:3.

“Time and tide wait for no man.” Because of the Time-Distance problem for police response and the potential rapidity of an active killer incident, the most effective countermeasure for frequented targets has been documented as armed and unarmed resistance already on site. Houses of worship should bank on facts to have trained, equipped, armed, prepared, and willing guardians Already On-Site. Houses of worship are similar to schools in fitting the active killer’s apparent formula: “Find and target a group of innocents in an alleged “gun free” zone, (by law or rule).” The active killer typically researches and reconnoiters locations, preferring those that forbid armed citizens. Schools or houses of worship with known armed school staff or known protection teams are generally avoided. The exceptions are when the active killer has an axe to grind with a specific church, school, or persons. That alone is both reason and logic for armed school staff and for houses of worship facility protection teams. As long as active killers have free will to murder innocents, and facility leaders procrastinate on proven countermeasures, houses of worship will continue to be attacked.

Protecting the Flock

Forming a house of worship protection team could be difficult, depending on how reality-conscious (targeted attacks) and innovative church leaders are. Realizing there’s a problem and then searching for reality-based, practical-tactical solutions is real leadership. Unfortunately, most organizations are subject to bureaucracy, whereas “Bureaucracy destroys initiative,” and “Bureaucracy exists to protect itself.” Factually, trained and armed on-site guardians have been quite successful in mitigating or even preventing the bloodshed of innocents. So successful that cowardly active killers are generally known to avoid facilities that allow armed protectors. House of worship signs “advertising” this level of congregation protection should comfort parishioners while potentially preventing the bloodshed of innocents in the first place. To save lives and reduce the risk of this bloodshed, house of worship leaders should understand this.

Selecting Team Members

Present or former Law Enforcement officers, Fire/Medics, and Military are all pre-vetted candidates. Regular citizen volunteers need some form of vetting process. Those already state-certified to carry a concealed firearm, and especially if they frequently practice marksmanship or participate in competition, are also good candidates for vetting. Just because a person volunteers for this duty should not be the sole determination, as proper vetting may reveal disqualifiers. The house of worship leader should give the final approval.

How should armed church security team volunteer members regularly train to be properly equipped?

It is legally and tactically advantageous to seek outside certified/documented training. An example in Ohio is BuckeyeFirearms.org Protecting Houses of Worship classes. A certified/documented basic course is an excellent start of formal training. The Team leader can later appoint the most qualified staff member as the in-service firearms trainer. Safe gun handling—drawing and return to holster without looking (using empty/safe double-checked weapons)—should be trained, practiced, tested, and supervised. With live fire—documented and witnessed—practice at least as often as your state’s standard for law enforcement officers. More often would increase the odds of both winning an actual armed confrontation and legal attacks.

Ideally, the team guardians should also be covered by individual CCW insurance (for example, CCW Safe). The course of fire should be your own State Law Enforcement standard, especially if it involves Decision Making, Movement, and Surprise. If not, incorporate them with added time (not overly difficult time). In addition, create an even more documented, realistic (Reality Based) course of fire to be included in each training and practice session. Individual personal practice (encouraged to participate in outside organized competition) should be documented and retained in a personal logbook, including date, time periods, type of shooting, number of rounds fired, and, if possible, a witness signature. Ditto for group training. Occasional reality-based scenario training with training-safe laser pistols on-site inside the church should be conducted as dress rehearsals.

What is the correct mindset that an armed church security member should have?

Realization that when people are surprised by an attack, “Mental Freezing” is always our first reaction (we are not robots) preceding a reactive decision whether to fight or flee. Dependent on training, experience, attention, and where our minds were at when attacked (unfocused preoccupation or daydreaming?), physical reaction could range from split-second to a few seconds or longer for less reality-aware individuals. “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love” — 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

Team members should have a practiced and rehearsed welcoming attitude with a simultaneous but concealed suspicion awareness toward any strangers, troubled, or newer worshipers. Protection staff assisting greeters should be good with “Tongue Fu” (Deflecting, Disarming, and Defusing Verbal Conflict). Books and videotapes by Dr. George Thompson’s Verbal Judo are excellent learning aids for verbally deterring an interruptive but not yet a full-blown threat (“Is there a problem here”?). Speaking of “Troubled” people, it’s important to realize that in most cases, active killers will eventually be exposed as having had “Numerous Unstable or Troubling Symptoms,” (NUTS). Be fully aware that an active killer or assassin can be and have been both intelligent and educated, and still be afflicted with murderous NUTS. Protection staff should train and practice written articulation in after-action reports that may be needed for law enforcement and later for court.

An active killer’s family and friends would be more aware of these symptoms if they were on the subtle side. However, even more obvious NUTS clues are often NOT reported to the proper authorities. Outsiders, like protection staff, would have to take a closer, low-profile look for NUTS clues. Any suspicions should always be shared immediately with the rest of the protection staff. The practiced welcoming attitude must be dropped instantly when it becomes “Show-Time,” such as when a weapon is displayed or when an unarmed threat of physical violence is made. Criminal aggression begets justifiable aggression!

What skills should an armed church security volunteer seek to perfect?

Attention to relative detail, memory, and documentation of a suspicious person’s previous reconnoitering visits. Focusing on church security goals while on duty, anyone can be surprised; it’s just how brief the Surprise/Freeze is and how quickly you recover. Verbalization, small talk as an informal interview, reality-based practiced restraining and takedown tactics, knowledge of church security plans, strategy, and, of course, firearm tactics of Shoot-Move-Communicate.

What equipment should an armed volunteer carry and be proficient in while on duty during a church service?

A clean and well-maintained personal firearm, of course, with at least one reload. Portable radios with low-profile earpieces, pen and small notebook (document, document, document), wrist restraints or handcuffs, OC/Pepper projectors, and fully furnished Trauma kits are a beginning.

Less Than Lethal Options

“If a man’s only tool is a hammer, he tends to view all his problems as nails.” A pocket or belt-mounted 500 lumen flashlight can be a relatively harmless surprise distractor to flash in the eyes of a malcontent, potential attacker while quickly changing position to get off the line of the potential attack, almost unseen. Practice among staff protectors is recommended. When or if there’s a power failure, a flashlight can be precious: “In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.”

Protection staff should have other less lethal options such as competency training with self-defense, restraining, and securing hands for police (for safety, wrist restraints or handcuffs are recommended). Tactical Problems often have chemical solutions. If an unarmed attacker poses a documented physical threat to parishioners or protection staff, the individual would be less of a threat to subdue if “blindfolded” temporarily with an approved law enforcement and security chemical projector. Subduing individuals will be much less labor-intensive and safer for both the resister and protector. Courtrooms, jails, and indoor facilities are using a gel or foam type Oleo Capsicum/Pepper formulation. The Gel or Foam is less likely to contaminate the facility area or cause uninvolved occupants to cough/sneeze and flee for fresh air.

OC/Pepper Gel or foam targeted at the eye and facial area is recommended as much less likely to affect the congregation, protection staff, and facility. The OC/Pepper projector should have a passive (finger slide forward deactivates), spring-loaded safety lid (photo), as found on MACE or Sabre products. Note: Gel and Foam type projecting OC/Pepper is easier to see and direct at the facial/eyes area. The trade-off with Gel or Foam is that they may be a bit slower-acting than a spray or stream OC/ Pepper. Never expect instant or total incapacitation with any OC/Pepper product. While regular streams or sprays work faster, however, they will unnecessarily contaminate the area.

Trauma Kit and Stop the Bleed Training

Remember that free training on your facility site may be available (and refreshers) from your local Fire Department. In addition to the house of worship protection team, I also suggest including volunteer parishioners in this critical lifesaving training. In a real active killer attack, as soon as the danger threat is over, you may need all-hands-on-deck to save the wounded. This is a satisfaction of saving lives priority! Plan and address those issues now before the potential chaotic event. Know that a single bullet wound can cause both an entry and exit wound, and that a person can bleed to death in four minutes or less, so much faster than any FD/EMT and Police officer can reach you. Multiply this by a few or several persons shot or stabbed, and you can see how blessed this valuable training of other parishioners and adequate trauma kits could be. Be aware that common first aid kits rarely include any items crucial for treating knife or gunshot wounds. A necessary EMT-type trauma kit would also include at least several tourniquets, plenty of wound-packing gauze, etc. Your local Fire Department may have relevant suggestions on what your trauma kit should contain and where you could buy them.

In an ideal setting, what do you recommend to be the proper number and positioning of security volunteers in a church building/parking lot while a worship service is in progress?

That would depend entirely on the size and layout of the house of worship. If the nursery room is too distant from the main chapel area, consider having a guardian stationed in a chair outside. Each security team should consider, reconsider, and verify the necessary numbers and positioning in their own house of worship. A small church may well be protected with three guardians, and larger houses of worship may require a staff of a dozen or more protectors.

Concentric Circles of Protection

Megachurches with a larger protection team should have overlapping Concentric Circles of Protection. Some staff can be in less noticeable, low-profile tactical positions. At least one protector should be near the house of worship leader, as sometimes they’re the initial target.

Depending on the size and layout of the house of worship, concentric circles of security are vital. Protection teams should use tabletop planning and strategy gaming for their own churches to practice planned assignments with both a full team and when shorthanded (reviewed periodically).

Because some attempted church murders preceded entry into the church, it’s critical to have a guardian or point man outside to observe the main entry point. He or she should be low-profile, in a parked car, ready to quickly act SOLO and/or radio any suspicions to the inside group. Because the Secret Service uses concentric circles of protection, the recent assassination attempt on President Trump’s life was stopped after the assassin breached the first two outer circles of security.

“Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty” Proverbs 21:5. The main congregation room of worship should have hardware to quickly and securely lock the main doors in an emergency. Here we’re talking about commercial hardware at the top and bottom of the doors, secured into the frame above and the floor below. When alerted, protection staff would lock the doors as the final option in protecting the congregation. In case of arson, parishioners could exit the fire door(s) (inaccessible from the outside).

Consider for present and future staff training, the video example of several well-trained and experienced Secret Service agents on a presidential speaking detail actually experiencing the temporary freeze or pause by surprise and sheer speed of attack by a single NUT armed with a shotgun. Viewing multiple times may reveal details you might not have noticed on prior viewings. Group discussion is also important. In this 6-minute video showing actual and slower speeds of the attempted assassination of President Trump, you will see that the tactical principle, “Speed, Surprise, and Violence of Action” can work for you as well as against you.

What information do you provide in your PACT Consultant Group email newsletter and how may people subscribe to it?

My PACT newsletter was generally focused on Active Killer, Terrorist, and other criminal activity, subscribed to mostly by law enforcement officers. However, I may not restart the PACT newsletter sends, as my friend Greg Ellifritz has a larger audience and has agreed to periodically include my newsletter on his ActiveResponseTraining.net website. I also wrote the guest column for Greg’s website: Is Your Congregation Prepared for an Active Killer?

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Thank you for the opportunity to share lifesaving information with a wider house of worship protection team audience. While I am new to SemperVerus, I am impressed with what appears to be great quality and quantity of articles and data. Now all I need is more spare time to explore it!

Republished with permission from SemperVerus.com.