University of Redlands
An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. In most cases, there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. An active shooter incident is unpredictable and can evolve quickly. It is often over within 10-15 minutes.
If you hear, or think you hear gunshots react quickly.
This Active Shooter video demonstrates the actions one should take if involved in an active shooter situation. (Closed captioning available)
This PowerPoint presentation details the three phases of training, so you can feel more prepared for an active shooter situation.
Definitions of Run, Hide, Fight:
Run. If there is an escape path, get out.
Evacuate whether others agree to follow.
Leave belongings behind.
Help others escape, if possible.
Prevent others from entering the area.
Call 911 when safe to do so.
Provide law enforcement or the 911 operator with the following information:
Location of the active shooter
Number of shooters
Physical description of shooter/s
Number and type of weapons held by the shooter/s
Number of potential victims at the location
Hide. If evacuation is not possible, hide out. If you are in an office, stay there and secure the door. If you are in a hallway, get into a room and secure the door. Your hiding place should:
Be out of the shooter's view
Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction
Not trap you or restrict your options for movement
Once in a hiding place, keep out the shooter.
Lock the door.
Blockade the door.
Silence your cell phone and electronic devices.
Turn off any source of noise (radios, TV).
Hide behind large items.
If there are two or more of you, spread out. Do not huddle together. Quietly develop a plan in the event the shooter enters.
Remain quiet. Remain calm.
Dial 911 if able (if you can't speak, leave line open).
Fight. As a last resort, take out the shooter.
Act with physical aggression.
Throw items and improvise weapons.
Yell.
Commit to your actions.
How to react to law enforcement:
The first responders on the scene are not there to evacuate or tend to the injured. They are there to stop the shooter.
Remain calm, and follow officers' instructions.
Put down any items in your hands.
Immediately raise hands and spread fingers.
Keep hands visible at all times.
Avoid making quick movements towards officers.
Avoid pointing, screaming and/or yelling.
Do not stop to ask officers for help, just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises.
Indicators of Potential Violence:
Individuals typically do not just "snap", but display indicators of potentially violent behavior over time. If these behaviors are recognized, they can often be treated. Potentially violent behaviors by an individual may include one or more of the following (this list is not comprehensive, nor is it intended as a mechanism for diagnosing violent tendencies):
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Unexplained increase in absenteeism; vague physical complaints
Noticeable decrease in attention to appearance and hygiene
Depression/ withdrawal
Resistance and overreaction to change in policy and procedures
Repeated violations of University policies
Increased severe mood swings
Noticeably unstable emotional responses
Explosive outbursts of anger or rage without provocation
Suicidal comments
Behavior which is suspect of paranoia
Increasingly talks of problems at home
Escalation of domestic problems in the workplace; severe financial problems
Talk of previous incidents of violence
Empathy with individuals committing violence
Increase in unsolicited comments about firearms and other dangerous weapons or violent crimes
If ones actions arouse suspicion or make you feel uncomfortable report your observations and feelings to:
Public Safety (909-748-8888)
Residence Hall Staff
Counseling Center (909-748-8108)
Human Resources (909-748-8040)
University's Anonymous TipLine (909-335-4030)
