4-2 assignment- Capital Gazette Shooting (What Went Wrong)
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Apr 3, 2024
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4-2 assignment: Capital Gazette Shooting (What Went Wrong)
Jacquelin Gregg Southern New Hampshire University CJ 405: Security Management Professor Parks March 28, 2024 After reading the case study that was provided for this assignment about the deadly shooting at the Capital Gazette which took place is Annapolis, Maryland did expose that there were different security lapses that were considered as severe. One of the security lapses that resulted in the shooting was that the newspaper company had failed to pursue a restraining order or misdemeanor charges against the accused gunman who was identified as Jarrod W. Ramos. The shooter had a longstanding grievance with The Capital Gazette because of the paper’s 2011 coverage of a harassment charge against him. Jarrod Ramos pursued and prolongated legal action
against the reporter, the publisher and the judge who was involved. Jarrod Ramos then started a website and several Twitter account so that he could berate the newspaper company. Also what went wrong during this active shooting event that took place in The Capital Gazette is the layout of the building shared commercial space with several other tenant which had an entirely open floorplan and the shooter had easy access through the building’s rear entrance and then was able to enter the newsroom by shooting through a glass door or window. Why this event went wrong was because in 2013, the paper and one of the targeted reporters did contact the police to discuss filing a restraining order or even misdemeanor charges
due to the prolonged harassment but they ultimately decided to not follow through for fear of further antagonizing him. And since they chose not to pursue the charges or even a restraining order allowed the threat to continue and resulted in the violent attack. Also, why this went wrong
because of the concept of the newsroom which was an entirely open floor plan with glass windows all around the room, reporters working at desks in the middle and half-walls along one side for the editors’ offices. Since the building lacked the proper security measures to protect the company employees inside it resulted to the gunman to gain access into the building through the rear entrance but before he proceeded to enter the building, he barricaded the door so no one could leave the building. One of the victims tried to force the door open but he was shot and killed. Since the building lacked any security measures for an event like this it resulted to the employees having to hid under their desks and behind filing cabinets. What went right was that The Capital Gazette did improve their security when threats intensified in 2013. Michael Crane who is a security consultant did praise that the newspaper for adhering to the security best practices at this time. The newspaper contacts with the police and recommended that access control needs to be implemented; with a secured front door to keep people out. Another thing that went right was stated by Kevin Doss who is a CPP, PSP, CEO at Level 4 security said that the police were there in 60 to 90 seconds; that’s absolutely tremendous and should be applauded.
Why it went right was because of the choice to call the police back in 2013 did show a commitment to security best practices and the understanding of the growing threat. The possible adoption of access control systems also indicated a proactive attitude to the premises’ security. The law enforcements fast action did serve as a reminder of how crucial the emergency response plans and how well-trained personnel are.
Potential future actions that could be taken to prevent this incident from recurring would be all organizations that have an open floor plan along with open office design needs to review and improve the security measures to prevent this event from reoccurring. Open office environments should ensure that there are safe places to hide, such as bathrooms or conference rooms with locked doors. Instead of using glass doors and walls in offices; it would be better to use polycarbonate, bulletproof glass or even adding a shatterproof film can help prevent shooting into the office. But different organizations need to consider the importance of proactive and consistent employee training which should include basic active shooter training and live action scenario-specific drills that are meant for the unique challenges of open office environments. References:
Chapa, L. (2018, June 29). Newsroom shooting highlights challenges of securing open offices. Newsroom Shooting Highlights Challenges of Securing Open Offices. https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/latest-news/online-exclusives/2018/
newsroom-shooting-highlights-challenges-of-securing-open-offices/
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