Lockdown Training for Staff and Faculty McMaster University Active Shooter Incidents The Community Response

Training Objectives Define the term “active shooter” Understand what to expect from responding law enforcement officers Understand what you can do to protect yourself and others from an active shooter

An assailant whose activity is immediately causing death and serious injury The threat is not contained and there is immediate risk of death and injury The assailant may not necessarily be using a firearm, and the same principles apply to any “active” threat, not just a shooter The Active Shooter/Threat Defined

Identifying and Preventing Active Shooters Be aware of people exhibiting any of the following: – Writing about death and killing – Drastic changes in personality or behaviour – Isolation, depression – Unusual change in grades or work performance If you are aware of someone exhibiting these behaviours, refer to the following for more information

Active Shooter Incidents Based on Past Incidents, we understand that: Active shooter incidents will seem spontaneous and victims will not know they are targets until they are attacked Active shooter incidents occur in target rich environments, and from the outset suspects rapidly take human life The shooter may or may not have intended victims The shooter will continue to move throughout the building/area until stopped by law enforcement, suicide, or other intervention

Law Enforcement Response McMaster University Special Constables and Hamilton Police have adopted procedures and developed plans based on Internationally accepted best practices. You need to be informed of law enforcement’s response plan so you can take protective measures

Law Enforcement Response Change in tactics by law enforcement since 1999 Police engage active threat immediately using “Immediate Rapid Deployment” tactics, instead of attempting to contain scene and negotiating. Losses can be mitigated with community preparedness training and response during actual event

Law Enforcement Response Hamilton Police will immediately respond to the area assisted by McMaster Special Constables The goal of the Police is to locate and stop the shooter The safest place for you to be is inside a secure room It is important for you to convey to others that help is on the way. Remain inside the secure area.

Law Enforcement Response Evacuation Once the shooter is contained, Police and McMaster Special Constables will begin treatment and evacuation of the injured Safety corridors will be established. This may be time consuming Remain in secure areas until instructed otherwise You may be searched and you may be instructed to keep your hands on your head as you are evacuated You will be escorted out of the building by law enforcement personnel

Staff and Faculty Response Your actions will influence others Stay calm Assure others that you and the police are working to protect them

Alerts and Notification Campus wide outdoor warning system Emergency messages on LCD Screens and campus computers Text Message and alerts to entire campus community

Alternative Alert and Notification Methods Campus Telephone Operator greeting message CFMU Web Page New Parking System digital signage

Outdoor Siren Alert System Siren Alert System Installed in 2008, and is being expanded to include some indoor locations in Sample siren tone

LCD Screens LCD Screens in student residences and many other campus buildings

Desktop Alerts Public computers on campus are running a program to pick up the same alerts that are shown on the Digital signage in buildings.

Mass Notification System Mass text/ Notification System

Additional Alert and Notification Methods Campus Telephone Operator greeting message Web Page New Parking System digital signage CFMU

Communications Two-way communications upgrades Improvements and additions to Emergency phone system Campus wide trunked radio system

Other Campus Developments Lockable classrooms Information for staff, faculty and students

Campus Lockdown A lockdown is intended to minimize access and visibility. It involves quickly sheltering students, faculty and staff in secure locations. When you hear the Lockdown siren: – Anyone in immediate danger should attempt to flee – Anyone in a safe location follows “lockdown” procedure and locks or attempt to barricade door Signs are posted in classrooms as a reminder

Your Role in a Lockdown All McMaster students, staff and faculty… Secure the immediate area – whether classroom, bathroom, or office – Lock the door. This may require advanced planning to ensure ability to lock the door Classrooms are in the process of having locks installed – Many doors in university buildings are solid core, and many walls are brick. This may provide some protection – Block the door using whatever is available - desks, file cabinets, books, other furniture… – If the assailant enters your room and leaves, lock/barricade the door behind him

Do not unlock your area of refuge until Police or Security instruct you to do so – The assailant may bang on the door and yell for help to entice you to open the door – Remember the safety of the masses versus the safety of a few – If there is any doubt to the safety of the individuals inside the room, the area needs to remain secured. Police and Special Constables will have keys when they clear the area – no need for you to open the door. Your Role, continued

Doors, Windows, Openings, and Noise – Close blinds – Block windows – Turn off radios and computer monitors if necessary – Silence cell phones – Place signs in exterior windows to identify the location of injured persons – Signs can be placed in interior doors, windows, but remember that the assailant can also see these – Reassure and attempt to keep occupants calm and quiet – After securing the room. People should be positioned out of sight and behind items that might offer additional protection - walls, desks, file cabinets, etc. Your Role, continued

Unsecured Areas If you find yourself in an open area, immediately seek any available protection Is escape your best option? If in doubt, find a safe area and secure it the best way you can

Nothing to Hide Behind? Stay Low

University Staff Roles Special Constables and Police will require assistance managing the flow of people and vehicles into and out of the scene. IF YOU HAVE SAFELY EVACUATED, AND IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO -- Fire Wardens and any other staff willing to assist should approach the nearest McMaster Special Constable and identify themselves. The Special Constable in charge will assign duties as required.

Contacting Emergency Personnel Emergency 911 and “88” from campus phones – 911 and 88 may be overwhelmed busy signal multiple rings (direct line to campus Security) Emergency Phones (red poles) Elevator Emergency Phones

What to Report If you are locked down, and able to contact Security, report the following: – Your specific location Building name Office/classroom number – classroom doors are all marked on the upper right corner of the doorframe – Number of people with you – Injuries Number of people injured Types of injuries Dispatcher may provide instructions on how to care for injured until medical assistance can be provided

What to Report, continued –Assailant(s) Specific location Number of assailant(s) Race and Gender Clothing color and style Physical features – height, weight, facial hair, glasses Type of weapons (rifle/shotgun/ handgun/knife/bat, etc.) Backpack? Do you recognize the assailant? What’s his/her name? Have you heard explosions separate from gunshots?

The Aftermath Information will be released to the McMaster community by McMaster University Public Relations as quickly as possible The entire area will be treated as a crime scene – Once you have been evacuated you will not be permitted to retrieve items or access the crime scene After evacuation you will be directed to or taken to a holding area – medical care, interviewing, counseling, etc.

Summary Active Shooter - Lockdown Law enforcement response – Objective is to neutralize threat – Evacuation after threat has ended – Follow up medical care, interview, counseling – Investigation Staff and Faculty should take a leadership role – Seek secure area – Calm, reassure, and quiet others – Report the incident – Treat injured

Closing Statement We cannot predict the origin of the next threat Assailants in some recent incidents across the North America were neither students or employees It is up to you to take steps to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you when this type of incident occurs

Questions? Emergency Services Coordinator Crime Prevention Coordinator Sergeant Cameron Smith Sergeant Cathy O’Donnell Ext Ext Audit your workplace/office Present active shooter material directly to your staff Presentation tailored to suit your needs and schedule