USFRA.org announced ALICE Instructor Certification Training taking place at Erskine Academy, focused on equipping instructors to lead lifesaving response efforts during violent critical incidents (VCI). The program centers on ALICE, an acronym for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate. Designed as a practical and scenario-based approach, ALICE provides a structured way for schools and other community settings to reduce harm when faced with sudden, man-made violence.
According to the announcement, violent critical incidents are defined as man-made forms of violent disasters. This includes situations such as active shooter events and violent intruder scenarios. The training emphasizes that rapid, coordinated action is essential because these incidents often unfold quickly and with little warning. By preparing instructors to teach and implement the ALICE model, the program aims to strengthen readiness not only at the individual participant level, but across the broader organization or campus where the certified instructors will be able to guide others.
A core element of the ALICE framework is its emphasis on clear communication and decision-making steps that can be taught in advance. The training highlights the sequence of actions represented by the acronym. First, participants learn how to initiate the appropriate alert process, ensuring that relevant people receive timely information. Next, the program addresses lockdown procedures, which are meant to help create immediate protection and reduce exposure. The framework also stresses the importance of informing others—whether that means communicating within a facility or ensuring that accurate guidance reaches the right groups.
Beyond early response actions, ALICE also addresses the need for countermeasures and evacuation when safe and appropriate. The inclusion of these components reflects the program’s goal to provide a comprehensive response strategy rather than relying on a single method of protection. In the announcement’s framing, the training is intended to build capability for a variety of circumstances that may arise during a violent incident. This can include recognizing that threats may shift and that the safest course of action may change depending on what is happening in the moment.
The announcement also positions ALICE Instructor Certification Training as a leading program for response to violent critical incidents. By training instructors, the program supports the development of internal leadership that can sustain preparedness over time. Instructor certification typically indicates that trainees will be able to deliver training materials and guide response practices consistently, helping ensure that preparedness efforts remain current and actionable.
Erskine Academy is identified as the host location for the instructor certification course. Holding the training at a specific school site suggests an intention to directly impact the community where it is most needed—particularly within educational environments that may benefit from tailored readiness planning and drills. When instructors are trained on-site or in coordination with the school’s environment, the program can be more easily integrated into local procedures and safety planning.
The announcement’s overall theme is prevention through preparation. It underscores the concept that while violent critical incidents are unpredictable, the response can be improved through established training, rehearsed steps, and clear roles. By focusing on the ALICE model’s components—Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate—the program provides a common language and a structured plan for action.
In short, USFRA.org’s announcement describes ALICE Instructor Certification Training at Erskine Academy aimed at preparing educators and leaders to respond effectively to man-made violent disasters. With ALICE positioned as the leading program for violent critical incident response and examples including active shooter and violent intruder situations, the training is framed as a way to improve safety outcomes through consistent instruction and coordinated action. Source: USFRA.org
USFRA.org: ALICE Instructor Certification Training: Erskine Academy ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) Training is the leading program for response to violent critical incidents (VCI). VCI are man-made forms of violent disasters, including; active shooter, violent intruder,. #breaking
— @usfraorg May 1, 2026