OR-PRIMA Takeaways on Deadly Weapon Response for Public Entities

Public entities face the reality that total immunity from risk isn’t possible. At Oregon Public Risk Management Association (OR-PRIMA), Anne Shackelford, Senior Vice President, Alliant Public Entity, outlined how cities, counties and school districts can strengthen prevention, accelerate response and support recovery when a deadly weapon event occurs. Her message: Pair existing protocols with a purpose-built “belt and suspenders” solution that fills gaps and mobilizes help fast.

A Three-Part Approach

The Alliant Deadly Weapon Response Program has a three-part structure designed to complement existing insurance placements:

1. Crisis response – Immediate access to security, PR, family assistance and recovery support with lower deductibles and faster activation.
2. Property coverage – Protection for damage and business interruption, even without a physical loss trigger.
3. Liability coverage – Third-party response for negligence claims, serving as a buy-down where SIRs are high.

At OR-PRIMA, Anne said of the Alliant Deadly Weapon Response Program, “It’s a bolt-on solution—an addition to existing protections with lower attachment points and dedicated crisis resources.”

Strengthening Prevention and Preparedness

Effective readiness depends on cross-jurisdiction coordination and hands-on training. A strong risk management approach includes the following steps:

• Collaborate across entities: Align with counties, schools and ports to ensure clear roles and communication.
• Conduct pre-loss assessments: Fix vulnerabilities before an incident occurs.
• Conduct training drills: Focus drills on action under stress.
• Engage crisis specialists: Experienced partners can guide and de-escalate fast.

What Makes a Response Plan Work

Every event is unique, and perfection isn’t the goal. Take the following actions to create a well-structured response plan:

• Prepare people, not just policies.

• Activate outside help early.
• Learn from each incident to improve coordination and care.

Key Coverage Considerations

Consider these key insurance coverage considerations:

• Business interruption without property damage: Protect revenue when events force closures.
• Supplemental liability: Use deadly weapon response coverage to lower retention.
• Guaranteed crisis support: Gain access to coverage for PR, funeral costs and stabilization expenses often excluded elsewhere.

Case Study: Preparedness in Action

A library client that completed a pre-loss assessment faced a deadly shooting in its parking lot. Because of prior planning, the library avoided litigation, and the crisis team’s compassionate response guided the family and community through recovery. A reading bench now honors the employee lost. This is just one of many examples of how pre-loss preparation strengthens both response and human care.

OR-PRIMA Themes

2025 OR-PRIMA had massive scale and collaboration. A standout session on contract insurance requirements gave public risk managers practical language for managing vendor liability. Across discussions, budget limits and workforce shortages were recurring challenges as agencies face retirements and staffing gaps in key roles.

No single plan eliminates risk, but readiness, coordination and specialized coverage can reduce harm and support faster recovery.

Connect with a specialist from Alliant Public Entity to review your deadly weapon response strategy, pre-loss readiness and crisis activation plan.