Weapon Threat / Armed Intruder / Active Shooter

Every situation is different and the threatened individual will have to rely on his/her best judgment as to the best course of action. Don’t let curiosity mislead you. Don’t assume, for instance, that the popping sound you hear must be a firecracker or sound from a movie being played in another classroom and go outside to investigate. Wait, listen, and if you believe at all that a dangerous situation is evolving, put this plan into action. Your own safety and the safety of others are the top priority. The following are general procedures.

NOTE: AT NO TIME SHOULD ANY FACULTY, STAFF, OR STUDENT CONFRONT AN ARMED INTRUDER.

1. Immediate or Imminent Violence: Upon hearing shots or being notified an active shooter or armed intruder is on campus take the following steps:
• Immediately clear all students and staff from hallways, if safety permits.
• Close and lock all office and classrooms doors.
• Shut off all lights.
• If blinds on windows, pull blinds down if it can be done safely.
• Get yourself and others down on the floor and up against a solid interior wall.
• Stay out of sight and out of the line of fire of any windows.

  If possible, place yourself and others behind a solid object between you and any doors or windows (desks, file cabinets, chairs, and tables).

  If a door cannot be locked, begin piling and interlocking tables, chairs, and desks—anything available—against the door to block it and create a barrier.

  After securing the room, maintain absolute silence. Turn off radios, computer monitors, and silence all cell phones.

• Allow no one to leave the secured area.

  If you find yourself in an open area and unable to find a secure office or room to lockdown in, run away from the sounds of gunfire as fast and far as possible.

  If running away may somehow put you in danger, try to get behind a solid barrier. If possible, try to hide in a location that is out of sight.

2. Notify 911: If you have been alerted that a shooter or armed intruder is on campus, 911 has most likely been notified. If you are the one responding to hearing shots being fired, immediately call 911 (dial 9, then 911 if calling from a campus phone) when you are in a secure area. Realize that 911 lines may be jammed with other calls.
   1. If you get through, say: “This is Piedmont University. We have an active shooter on campus. Gun shots fired. I am calling from _________________ building.
   2. If you have the information, inform the dispatcher of:
   • Number of shooter(s)
   • Direction of travel through or from building
   • Race and gender of shooter(s)
   • Color of clothing and garment type
   • Physical features: height, weight, hair color, facial hair, glasses, tattoos.
   • Type of weapon
   • Name or shooter(s) if known
   • Number of injured
   • Type of injuries
3. Follow law enforcement instructions. Remain in your secure location and do not come out until the all-clear has been given by law enforcement or an administrator known to you. An unfamiliar voice or voices may be the shooter or shooters attempting to lure you from your place of safety. Do not respond to any voice commands until you can verify with certainty that the commands are being issued by a police officer or administrator whose voice you recognize.
4. Ignore Fire Alarms: Once you are aware an active shooter is on campus, ignore any fire alarms. The alarm may be a trick to draw you out into the open. Again, stay in your secure area, be quiet, and wait for the all clear to be given.
5. If Confronted By A Threatening Person
   1. Remain as calm as possible. Be cooperative and patient. Time is on your side.
   2. Offer to listen. Do not judge or argue with perceptions. Treat each concern as important and valid. A person in a crisis will only respond to someone who is willing to listen, understanding, respectful, and non-threatening.
   3. Allow the hostile person his or her personal space (at least 3 feet).
   4. If you are standing, stand at an angle to the individual rather than face-to-face.
   5. Keep your hands in plain view, preferably at your sides.
   6. Do not make gestures of physical contact that might seem threatening.
   7. Maintain polite eye contact. Keep gestures and body language open and non-threatening. Use a low, soft, slow voice when speaking. Ask/tell the person before you make any moves.
   8. Be truthful - to lose credibility can be catastrophic. Assure the person you will do everything you can to resolve his or her grievances in a fair manner.
   9. Ask the aggrieved party to suggest a solution. A person in crisis will be more accepting of a solution that he or she helped formulate.
   10. Always look for a win-win outcome. Retaining dignity (saving face) is paramount to the person in crisis.
   11. Be observant. Note as much as possible about the aggressor, including type and number of weapons, state of mind, what was said. Pay attention to details about the space you are in. If you are released or decide to escape, this information will be needed by police to ensure the safety of others.