Profile
An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area, typically through the use of firearms.
Characteristics
- Victims are selected at random
- The event is unpredictable and evolves quickly
- Law enforcement is usually required to end the situation
During an active shooter situation or certain other acts of violence:
AVOID starts with your state of mind.
- Pay attention to your surroundings.
- Have an exit plan.
- 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 even impossible.
- Keep distance between you and the source.
- Create barriers to prevent or slow down a threat from getting to you.
- Turn the lights 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. THIS IS ABOUT SURVIVAL.
Call 911 or University Police when it is safe to do so: (315) 267-2222
You can text tips silently to police on the Rave Guardian campus safety app. Download here: http://www.raveguardian.com/
How to respond when law enforcement arrives:
- Remain calm and follow instructions
- Keep hands visible at all times and avoid quick movements
- Provide important information to law enforcement and/or 911:
- Location of shooter
- Number of shooters
- Physical description
- Number and types of weapons
- Number of potential victims
(Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security | Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events, Texas State University)