Our Expert Witness Work for Victims’ Families

We support expert witness work in active shooter litigation, including multiple cases for victims’ families. One of those engagements involved a court ordered reenactment of a school attack, staged to examine how an armed responder acted while the shooting was underway. The Active Shooter Prevention Project (ASPP™), LLC brought its community of advisors to that work. Our role shows why informed professionals matter when a court needs to establish what happened, and what should have happened.

Unraveling the Tragedy

A school attack in 2018 killed 17 people and injured 17 more. It shook the country and drove a demand for accountability. An armed school resource officer was accused of failing to confront the attacker, which led to a long legal fight.

The Pursuit of Justice

The civil action was brought by victims’ families and a survivor. The plaintiffs set out to reenact the attack to examine an armed responder’s alleged failure to act while gunfire continued. The reenactment retraced the attacker’s movements and used matching firearms and cartridge calibers, so the court could judge what the responder could hear and see.

The Role of ASPP

ASPP™ brings together a community of experts in active threat training and prevention. We were engaged to help the court understand the dynamics of the attack. Drawing from their extensive experience with elite organizations including SWAT, FBI, HRT, Navy Seals, Army Rangers, CIA, and more, ASPP brings a unique perspective to the table.

The Importance of Expert Witnesses

Expert testimony helps a court reconstruct what happened and judge whether the response met the standard of care. Chris Grollnek is a former U.S. Marine and retired police detective corporal. His work in tactical response and active threat prevention helps show why the right actions matter in the first moments of an attack.

A Call for Change

Cases like this push for change. They show why schools and public spaces need comprehensive active threat training, and why prevention has to come before response. The P.R.O. Model™ is a DOJ selected national standard built for that purpose.

Our involvement underscores how much expertise and informed judgment matter in sensitive matters like this. When a proceeding seeks to establish the truth and ensure accountability, the role of the expert witness carries real weight. By learning from the past and embracing proactive security measures, we can strive to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future and create safer environments for all.

“As an expert witness in this work, I can attest to the emotional challenges involved in revisiting a tragic event. However, the importance of seeking justice and understanding the actions that unfolded that day cannot be overstated. Through my expertise in active threat training, I aim to shed light on the critical importance of preparedness and swift response in such life-threatening situations. It is my solemn duty to contribute to the pursuit of accountability and to honor the memory of the victims by working towards a safer future for our communities.”

Chris Grollnek
Founder, Active Shooter Prevention Project, LLC
#NEVERHERE™