ALICE Scenario Assessment 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During an ALICE scenario debrief, a participant asks why the training uses realistic, specific information in alerts rather than vague codes like 'Code Red.' What is the ALICE rationale?
- Codes are simpler and reduce panic more effectively
- Specific information — such as location and description — enables people to make better informed decisions (Correct answer)
- Codes are legally required in most states
- Vague codes prevent the threat from knowing they have been identified
Correct answer: Specific information — such as location and description — enables people to make better informed decisions
ALICE Alert emphasizes broadcasting specific, actionable information so individuals can assess their situation and choose the best response.
Question 2: A participant in an ALICE course presents this scenario: a threat is heard but not seen, and the alarm has not sounded. What should an individual do first?
- Assume it is a false alarm and continue working
- Initiate the Alert themselves by notifying others and calling 911 with specific information (Correct answer)
- Wait five minutes before acting
- Only act if a supervisor gives the order
Correct answer: Initiate the Alert themselves by notifying others and calling 911 with specific information
ALICE empowers any individual to initiate the Alert phase — do not wait for an official announcement when a credible threat is perceived.
Question 3: In a scenario assessment, a threat is confirmed in a large university lecture hall with 200 students. The nearest exits are behind the threat. What is the BEST ALICE-aligned option for students?
- All students rush the exits simultaneously
- Students evacuate through exits near the threat since speed outweighs risk
- Students barricade, prepare to counter as a group, and use windows or alternate exits if available (Correct answer)
- Students remain seated and call 911 quietly
Correct answer: Students barricade, prepare to counter as a group, and use windows or alternate exits if available
When exits are blocked by the threat, ALICE directs occupants to barricade, counter collectively, and use any alternate escape routes.
Question 4: Which scenario BEST demonstrates the ALICE principle of 'Inform' in action during an active threat?
- A teacher locks the door and turns off the lights without telling students why
- An administrator continuously broadcasts updated threat location via intercom as information becomes available (Correct answer)
- A security guard radios police without sharing information with building occupants
- A front-desk staff member sends a single email alert and then shelters
Correct answer: An administrator continuously broadcasts updated threat location via intercom as information becomes available
ALICE Inform means providing ongoing, real-time updates about the threat so occupants can continuously reassess their options.
Question 5: A trainer presents a scenario where a small group is sheltering in a room and the threat attempts to open the door. One participant suggests freezing and remaining silent. How does ALICE address this?
- It is correct — silence prevents the threat from knowing anyone is inside
- It is partially correct, but ALICE also requires barricading the door and preparing to Counter if the door is breached (Correct answer)
- It is incorrect — the group should open the door and comply with the threat's demands
- It is correct only if there are fewer than three people in the room
Correct answer: It is partially correct, but ALICE also requires barricading the door and preparing to Counter if the door is breached
While quiet may be appropriate, ALICE also requires barricading and a pre-planned Counter response in case the threat breaches the room.
Question 6: A corporate security team is designing an ALICE scenario for a multi-building campus. Which feature is MOST important when selecting rally points for the Evacuate option?
- Rally points should be inside one of the campus buildings for shelter
- Rally points should be far from the buildings, with clear sightlines, away from entrances (Correct answer)
- Rally points should be adjacent to the main entrance for easy police access
- Rally points should be in the parking garage since it offers cover
Correct answer: Rally points should be far from the buildings, with clear sightlines, away from entrances
Effective rally points are far from the threat, away from building entrances, and provide clear sightlines to ensure safety and accountability.
Question 7: During scenario assessment training, a participant argues that Counter is too dangerous and should never be taught. What is the ALICE training response to this concern?
- Counter is only taught to law enforcement and should not be in civilian training
- Counter is a last resort option taught because compliance has historically not guaranteed safety (Correct answer)
- Counter should only be used by physically fit participants
- Counter is illegal in most jurisdictions and is excluded from official ALICE curricula
Correct answer: Counter is a last resort option taught because compliance has historically not guaranteed safety
ALICE teaches Counter as a last resort because evidence shows that compliance does not guarantee survival and group action can disrupt a threat.
ALICE Scenario Assessment 3
During an ALICE scenario debrief, a participant asks why the training uses realistic, specific information in alerts rather than vague codes like 'Code Red.' What is the ALICE rationale?