Active Threat/Shooter

An active shooter/threat is an individual or group actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area. Victims are selected at random. Event is unpredictable and evolves quickly. Knowing what to do can save lives.

Threat/Shooting Protocol

ACTIVE THREAT/SHOOTER EVENTS: When an Active Threat/Shooter is in your vicinity, you must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with the situation.

Staying in concert with the State of Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the following replaces Run- Hide- Fight

AVOID starts with your state of mind

  • Pay attention to your surroundings.
  • Have an exit plan. Know where alternate exits are.   
  • Move away from the source of the threat as quickly as possible. 
  • The more distance and barriers between you and the threat, the better.

DENY when getting away is difficult or maybe impossible

  • Keep distance between you and the source.
  • Create barriers to prevent or slow down a threat from getting to you.                   
  • Turn the lights and computer monitors off.
  • Remain out of sight and quiet by hiding behind large objects and silence your phone

DEFEND because you have the right to protect yourself​

  • If you cannot Avoid or Deny be prepared to defend yourself. 
  • Be aggressive and committed to your actions.  
  • Do not fight fairly.
  • Find a weapon (chair, laptop, fire extinguisher).
  • THIS IS ABOUT SURVIVAL.

The first officers to arrive on scene:

  • Will not stop to help the injured. Expect rescue teams to follow initial officers.
  • These rescue teams will treat and remove the injured.
  • Once you have reached a safe location, you likely will be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control and all witnesses have been identified and questioned.
  • Do not leave the area until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so.

Video used with permission of the Boston College Police Department

 

Suspicious Individuals Protocol

  • Report a suspicious-looking individual or activity to Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Police at 911. Give your location, name, and reason for calling. Be ready to supply a physical description of the individual: age, weight, hair color and length, clothing, facial hair, and any other distinguishing features. If the individual is in a vehicle, attempt to get the vehicle make, model, and color as well as the license plate number, if possible
  • If you suspect the person is armed or see a weapon, call 911 immediately and report the situation.
  • Do not approach a suspect individual yourself. Contact Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Police as quickly as possible while monitoring the location of the person if feasible.

For Additional Information on Active Shooter Protocols:

For more information specific to Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Protocols regarding Active Shooter:

Frequently Asked Questions on Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø-Specific Active Shooter Protocols

Special Thanks to Boston College Office of Emergency Management