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Active Shooter and Violence on Campus

Preparing for an Active Shooter on Campus

It is important to be prepared for emergency situations such as an active shooter on campus.
It is strongly recommended that you read the booklet from the US Department of Homeland Security. 

Good Practices for Coping with an Active Shooter Situation

  • Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers.

  • Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit.

  • If you are in an office, stay there and secure the door. If you are in a hallway, get into a room and secure the door.

  • As a last resort, attempt to take the active shooter down. When the shooter is at close range and you cannot flee, your chance of survival is much greater if you try to incapacitate him/her.

  • Call 911 when it is safe to do so.

 

Be Prepared to Take the Following Steps

  1. Evacuate: If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises.

  2. Hide Out: If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you.

  3. Take Action Against the Active Shooter: As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter.

 

What is an Active Shooter?

An active shooter is a person who appears to be actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area — typically employing the use of firearms. In some cases, active shooters use other weapons and/or improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to cause additional victimization and impede law enforcement and emergency services. There may be no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

  • These situations are dynamic and evolve rapidly, demanding immediate deployment of law enforcement resources to stop the shooting and mitigate harm.

  • Hostage or barricaded subject situations often take place over a longer period of time and usually do not involve ongoing injury or loss of life. These situations are often managed through specialized units but can shift to active shooter situations and vice versa.

 

What Do I Do in an Active Shooter Situation?

Run

  • If a safe path is available, run.

  • Always try to escape or evacuate even if others insist on staying. Encourage others to leave with you, but do not let their indecision slow your own effort.

  • Once out of the line of fire, try to prevent others from walking into the danger zone and call 9-1-1.

Hide

  • If you cannot get out safely, find a place to hide.

  • When hiding: turn off lights, lock doors, and silence your cell phone (ringer and vibration mode).

Fight

  • As a last resort, whether working together or alone, act with aggression.

  • Use improvised weapons to disarm the shooter.

  • Commit fully to taking the shooter down.

"Run. Hide. Fight: Surviving an Active Shooter Event" is a Department of Homeland Security Grant Funded Project of the Regional Catastrophic Planning Initiative. Produced by the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security. Ready Houston, www.readyhoustontx.gov. The video depicts violent scenes of an active shooter.

 

Workplace Safety Plan: A Guide for Employees and Supervisors

  • Notify the DePauw Police Department of any potentially violent situations or incidents in which a member of the University community feels uncomfortable or in fear.

  • Obtain a civil order for protection and ensure it is current and on hand at all times, including the workplace. Provide copies to:

    • DePauw Police Department

    • Supervisor

    • Reception area (if applicable)

    • Human Resources Office

  • The DePauw Police Department can also issue a formal No Trespass Order for University properties.

  • Supervisors should inform immediate coworkers of potential risks.

  • Call the police immediately if the suspect individual arrives at the workplace. Violation of a protection order is a legal offense.

  • Provide a physical description and/or picture of the suspect to staff and the DePauw Police Department.

  • Identify an emergency contact person in case you cannot be reached.

  • Review the safety of your parking arrangements and alter routine habits if necessary.

  • Request a DePauw Police Officer escort to and from your car.

  • Request changes to work schedule, site, or assignment to enhance safety, if possible.

  • Have telephone calls screened at work.

  • Request additional security measures, such as security cameras, silent alarms, relocation of workstations, or a cellular phone for emergency use.

  • Review the safety of childcare arrangements; provide copies of protective orders to providers.

  • Limit disclosure of employee information by phone to prevent the suspect from locating victims.

  • Assure employees that they can use company assistance and resources without jeopardizing their jobs.

Procedures for Calling for Help

  • Dial 911 for immediate police services or medical needs; give your exact location, including the city if calling from a cellular phone.

  • Call the DePauw Police Department at 765-658-5555.

  • Locate and decide upon an emergency escape route.

  • Supervisors should maintain a record to account for all employees if a facility is evacuated.