Active Shooter What Can We Do? Chief James Flatley, Public Safety Dr. Charles Beale, Center for Counseling & Student Development September 8, 2008 Faculty Senate Meeting

What is an Active Shooter? A person who appears to be actively engaging in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area Situation is dynamic and will evolve rapidly Demands immediate deployment of law enforcement resources to end shooting and mitigate injury

How Will I Know What is Happening? When a credible threat is occurring, the University will immediately notify the campus community with as much information as possible through the following means: – UD Alert (text, voice, messaging) – UD Homepage – Carillon Emergency Messaging System – Cable TV Override – Classroom Projector Override – Local Media – Police Notification (Door-to-Door)

How Do I Report an Active Shooter Incident? Call 911, or use blue light phone Give Dispatcher the following information: – Your Name – Your Location – Nature of the Emergency – Information about the emergency, victims, suspects, injuries and other details – Phone number where you are calling Stay on the line with the dispatcher until he/she advises you to hang up

How Will UDPD Respond? Upon receiving initial call: Immediately deploy law enforcement resources Dispatch UD Emergency Care Unit and NCC Paramedics if injuries are reported If shooting is audible upon arrival, officers will move directly to the shooter. If shooting is not audible upon arrival, officers will sweep the building and affect rescues of the injured if possible.

What do I do if there is a shooter outside my building/room? Close and barricade/lock door, if possible Turn off lights, cell phones and computers, if possible Call 911 immediately, if possible – Give location, description of incident Remain in place until officers give the “all clear” Do not respond to shouting/calls for help from outside. This could be the shooter attempting to lure you outside

What if the shooter is in my building or room? Remain calm If there is an alternate exit, leave immediately Dial 911 and leave line open If escape is not possible, you may have to overpower the shooter if you encounter them Negotiation is not an effective measure

What if my class is taken hostage? Remain calm; be polite and cooperative Speak normally to captors; avoid complaints and belligerence Do not draw attention to yourself Avoid political or ideological discussions with captors Establish a relationship with captors, if possible Do not attempt to escape unless there is an extremely good chance of survival

If the Police are Coming to Rescue You… Do not run or make any sudden moves Drop to the floor, show your hands, bow head and stay still Wait for instructions and comply Rescuers may not have identified the shooter; do not be offended if you are questioned or even handcuffed. Do not resist You will be taken to a safe area for identification

Red Flag Behavior in Students who May Be Exhibiting Behavior of Concern or Experiencing Emotional Distress The tendency to use threats, intimidation, manipulations, or escalations Adverse reactions to criticism Sullen, angry, or depressed appearance Refusal to accept responsibility for actions Paranoid thoughts that others are “out to get” him or her

Red Flag Behavior in Students who May Be Exhibiting Behavior of Concern or Experiencing Emotional Distress Odd behavior that produces uneasiness and apprehension in other people Jokes or comments about having weapons or praise for other perpetrators of violence Expressions of despair, hopelessness or depression A pattern of disturbing creative or non-fictional course writings

Reporting/Consulting on Behavior of Concern Listen to your instincts. If your gut tells you to report a student or employee, please do so To report behavior, contact: – Public Safety at – Judicial Affairs at – Dean of Students at To consult with a psychologist regarding student behavior, contact: – Center for Counseling and Student Development at

“Act smart, make good decisions, take care of each other and take care of yourselves.” Chief of Police Michael Lynch from George Mason University in reference to core concepts for surviving an active shooter incident.