An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and other populated area. In most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly.
All employees can help prevent and prepare for potential active shooter situations. This page provides guidance to individuals, including students and employees, so that they can prepare to respond to an active shooter situation.
What You Should Do
Secure the Immediate Area
- Lock and barricade doors
- Turn off lights and all audio equipment
- Stay away from the windows. Do not try to "see what's happening."
- Do not sound the fire alarm. A fire alarm would signal the occupants to evacuate the building and thus place them in potential harm as they attempt to exit
- Remain calm and out of sight
- Take adequate cover or protection, i.e. concrete walls, thick desk, filing cabinets. (cover may protect you from bullets)
- Silence cell phones
When to Un-Secure
- Keep classrooms secure until police personnel arrive and give you directions
- Attempts to rescue people should only be attempted if it can be accomplished without further endangering the persons inside a secured area
- Consider the safety of masses vs. the safety of a few
- If doubt exists for the safety of the individuals inside the room, the area should remain secured
Contact the Authorities
- Dial 9-911 from on campus phone
- Dial 911 from off campus or cell phone
- Dial 870-972-2093 to contact the University Police Department
- Email University Police at upd@astate.edu
Be aware that the 911 system may be overwhelmed during a time of crisis. Program the University Police Departments phone number into your cell phone or consider e-mail as an option. E-mail may be an option when unable to speak.
What to Report
- Your specific location:building name and office/room number
- Number of people at your specific location
- Injuries: number injured and types of injuries
- Assailant(s): location, number of suspects, race/gender, clothing description, physical features, type of weapons (long gun or hand gun), backpack, shooters identity if known, separate explosions from gunfire, etc
Police Response
- Objective is to immediately engage assailant(s)
- Evacuate victims
- Facilitate follow up medical care, interviews, counseling
- Investigation
