Date
8-20-2026
Department
Helms School of Government
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice (PhD)
Chair
Stacey White
Keywords
school security, routine activity theory, qualitative study
Disciplines
Philosophy
Recommended Citation
Miskelly, Francis, "Exploring Active Shooter Patterns in Schools: Baseline Typologies for Strategic Preparedness Using a Qualitative Lens" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8764.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8764
Abstract
This qualitative study investigatesd the temporal patterns of active shooter incidents on elementary and middle school campuses across urban, suburban, and rural areas in the southeastern United States, specifically in North Carolina. It examined how the timing of these incidents varies across school settings and how law enforcement and School Resource Officers (SROs) perceive the impact of timing on the nature and response to such events. While existing literature largely focuses on psychological profiles, sociocultural factors, and immediate response strategies, few studies address how timing affects the occurrence, characteristics, and outcomes of incidents across school levels. Current research often generalizes findings across educational settings, overlooking differences in operational schedules, security protocols, and demographics of elementary and middle schools. The focus was narrowed to semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection method while adhering to ethical guidelines. Interviews were conducted with law enforcement and SRO personnel, who are directly involved in or knowledgeable about active shooter preparedness in schools. This ensured that the study would remain manageable while allowing for a rich, in-depth understanding of the research topic. The study also reviewed case studies and incident reports, gathering insights from these documents. Challenges expected included obtaining access to sensitive data, ensuring that ethical considerations were met, and managing interview timelines and interpretations. The goal was to identify patterns among offenders and establish temporal links to their crimes, creating typologies that will aid emergency personnel and affect policy and protocol decisions. While the study focused on the southeastern United States, the findings may have broader applicability for other regions.
