Armed Individual on Campus

Should you encounter an armed individual.

If you witness any armed individual on campus at any time or if an individual is acting in a hostile or belligerent manner, immediately contact law enforcement at 911 or the Department of Public Safety.

If the armed subject is outside the building

• Turn off all the lights and close and lock all windows and doors.
• If you can do so safely, get all students on the floor and out of the line of fire.
• Move to a core area of the building if safe to do so and remain there until an "all clear" instruction is given by an authorized known voice.
• If the staff or students do not recognize the voice that is giving instructions, they should not change their status.
• Unknown or unfamiliar voices may be misleading and designed to give false assurances.

If the armed subject is inside the building

• If it is possible to flee the area safely and avoid danger, do so.
• Contact law enforcement at 911 or the Department of Public Safety with your location if possible.
• If flight is impossible, lock all doors and secure yourself in your space.
• Get down on the floor or under a desk and remain silent.
• Get students on the floor and out of the line of fire.
• Wait for the "all clear" instruction.

If the armed subject comes into your class or office

• There is no one procedure the authorities can recommend in this situation.
• Attempt to get the word out to other staff if possible, and call law enforcement at 911 or the Department of Public Safety if that seems practical.
• Use common sense. If hiding or fleeing is impossible, attempt to negotiate with the individual.
• Attempting to overcome the armed subject with force is a last resort that should only be initiated in the most extreme circumstances.
• Remember, there may be more than one active armed subject.
• Wait for the "all clear" instruction.
• Be careful not to make any changes to the scene of the incident since law enforcement authorities will investigate the area later.
• In case you must flee, do not go to the normal gathering site for your building. Get as far away from the shooting scene as possible and then contact authorities.