There is an Active Shooter, what should I do?
If you witness an armed individual on campus at any time or an individual who is acting in a hostile or belligerent manner, immediately call 911 or the University Police Department at 508-531-1212.
Active Shooter Situation Definition: An active shooter is a person who appears to be actively engaging in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area; in most cases, there is no apparent pattern or method to their selection of victims. These situations are dynamic and evolve rapidly, with immediate deployment of law enforcement to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to innocent victims.
If an active shooter is outside your building:
If an active shooter is in your building:
If an active shooter enters your office or classroom:
What to expect from responding police:
Active Shooter Situation Definition: An active shooter is a person who appears to be actively engaging in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area; in most cases, there is no apparent pattern or method to their selection of victims. These situations are dynamic and evolve rapidly, with immediate deployment of law enforcement to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to innocent victims.
If an active shooter is outside your building:
- Go to a room that can be locked. Lock the doors and windows, and turn off the lights.
- Get everyone to lie on the floor out of the line of fire.
- Call 911 and inform the operator of the situation. Give your name, location and any other details that can be provided about the shooter(s), if possible.
- Stay at your location until the police or a known university official gives the all clear.
If an active shooter is in your building:
- Determine if the room you are in can be locked. If so, follow instructions above.
- If your room can't be locked, move to a room that can or exit the building only if it is safe to do so.
If an active shooter enters your office or classroom:
- If possible, call 911 and alert the police to the shooter's location; if you can't speak, leave the line open so that the dispatcher can listen and try to pinpoint your location.
- If you can't escape, attempting to overpower the shooter(s) by force is a last resort.
- If the shooter(s) leaves the area, proceed immediately to a safer place, if possible. Do not touch anything that was in the vicinity of the shooter(s).
- If you decide to flee, make sure that you have an escape route or plan in mind. Do not carry anything. Move quickly and quietly, keep your hands visible and follow any instructions given by police officers.
- Do not attempt to remove injured people; tell the authorities of their location as soon as possible.
- Do not leave campus until advised to do so from the police.
What to expect from responding police:
- They will respond to the last area where shots were heard in order to stop the shooting as quickly as possible.
- They will normally be in teams of four and armed with rifles, shotguns, and/or handguns, as well as possibly using tear gas or pepper spray to regain control.
- Try to remain calm and do not be afraid; follow all instructions.
- Put down any bags, packages or other objects and keep your hands visible at all times.
- If you know where the shooter is, inform the officer of their location.
- The first officers to arrive will not respond to or aid those who are injured. Rescue teams and emergency personnel will do so as soon as possible.
- The area will still be a crime scene; police usually will not let anyone leave until the area is secure and all witnesses have been identified and questioned. Stay where you are told until the police dismiss you