Active Attack Preparedness
Saving Lives Through International Collaboration and Community Training
In 2023, the sharp rise in mass shooting and active attack incidents in schools and public spaces across Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as neighboring countries in the Western Balkans, including Serbia and Croatia, has brought heightened urgency to the need for effective prevention and response strategies. In response, DTCare has launched the region's first comprehensive Active Attack Preparedness Initiative, offering scalable, adaptable training at both law enforcement and civilian levels to build safer, more resilient communities.
The program leverages the expertise of world-renowned partners, including the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center at Texas State University and CEPS College in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to deliver evidence-based, culturally adapted training. The initiative empowers individuals and organizations to build a safer, more resilient community. Through specialized workshops and practical drills, we are actively working to reduce risk, improve emergency response, and foster international cooperation to address the challenges posed by active attacks.
DTCare’s Active Attack Preparedness and Response Initiative
In response to the growing threat of active attack incidents in Bosnia and Herzegovina, DTCare engaged with Texas State University's ALERRT Center to bring international best practices and training models to the Western Balkans. In spring 2024, ALERRT's Director, Dr. Pete Blair, and Director of External Programs, Larry Balding, traveled to Bosnia and Herzegovina to meet with DTCare and CEPS College, resulting in the launch of the first-ever "Train-the-Trainer" course for Bosnian law enforcement in November 2024.
Key Milestones
Pilot Law Enforcement Training (Nov 2024): Select police officers from across the region participated in intensive ALERRT training at CEPS College, Kiseljak.
Ongoing Expansion (2025 and beyond): Following the successful pilot, follow-up law enforcement trainings were scheduled for Summer 2025, with additional sessions in development to build a sustainable network of regional instructors.
Civilian Response Training: DTCare and ALERRT introduced the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) workshops. To date, six CRASE sessions have been held across universities, public offices, and the corporate sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina—empowering everyday people with the tools to respond effectively and safely in an active attacker situation.
Program Impact
Scalable & Culturally Adaptive: The collaboration considers local law, culture, and institutional needs, making it relevant and accessible for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Knowledge Exchange: ALERRT instructors learned from Bosnian officers, adapting tactics for the local context, while police and civilians in Bosnia gained access to the latest international best practices.
Building a Safer Community: The joint program strengthens not only emergency readiness but also public trust and community resilience.
Our Partners
Texas State University's ALERRT Center
The Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center at Texas State University is a global leader in developing research-based strategies, protocols, and training for responding to active shooter threats. ALERRT's expertise ensures that Bosnian police and first responders receive the same quality of training as their counterparts in the United States.
CEPS College (College of Business and Law), Bosnia and Herzegovina
CEPS College, based in Kiseljak, is a pioneering educational institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina focused on law enforcement education, business, and public safety innovation. CEPS provides the platform and local expertise needed to deliver world-class training to Bosnian law enforcement professionals.
Looking Forward
DTCare, together with ALERRT and CEPS College, is paving the way for a more secure Balkans. Ongoing plans include forming a regional instructor network, expanding civilian preparedness programs, and fostering academic and professional exchange. Together, we can create an environment of readiness and resilience across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Get Involved
Are you a law enforcement professional, educator, civic leader, or simply a concerned citizen interested in building safer communities?
Attend a Training: Request information about upcoming law enforcement or civilian workshops in your area.
Partner with Us: Bring best practices to your school, business, or local government.
Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness by sharing our work on social media or volunteering.
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