Active Threat/Armed Intruder

Prevention

Workplace violence prevention training can help mitigate active threat factors. Here are six steps to take:

1. Analyze your workplace, know where your exits are
2. Create a supportive environment
3. Offer communication and empathy training
4. Commit to a non-violent workplace
5. Train to recognize warning signs
6. Practice your workplace action plan

Protection

1. Review with staff and faculty how to respond to acts of violence.
2. Schedule a training session with WSU Police (Run, Hide, Fight)
3. Identify who has the capability and ability to lock exterior building doors.
4. An active assailant/armed intruder is an individual(s) actively engaged in killing or attempting to use deadly physical force on other people in a confined and/or populated area. These situations are dynamic and can evolve rapidly, demanding immediate response by the community and the immediate deployment of law enforcement resources to stop the aggressor and prevent harm to the community. Be aware that the emergency phone lines become overwhelmed in this type of situation.
5. Know the response by law enforcement.
   • They will by-pass wounded and anyone else as they go directly to the threat.
     • Help will follow when there is no longer a threat.
   • They evaluate every person as a threat. Keep your hands above your waist, stay on the floor, do not distract the responder from finding the threat.
   • When directed out of the building, keep your hands empty, keep them above your head and move quickly in the direction responders tell you.

Mitigation

1. Identify multiple areas within each work area that can be used for lockdown (see also Lockdown).
2. Install locks or devices on doors that allow the door to be locked from the inside.
3. Obtain keys to lock exterior doors.

Response

If an active threat is outside of your building or inside the building you are in, you should:

1. Always be alert of potential active threats around you, assess the situation, and choose the best action for you and your safety.
2. Try and Remain Calm
3. RUN – Exit the building as quickly and safely as possible, distancing yourself from the threat, warn others around you of the threat.
   • DO NOT pull the fire alarm.
   • Have one person call 9-1-1 and provide: “this is (name), (give your location) and we have an (describe threat, e.g. gunshots, subject is stabbing people).” if you are able to see the offender(s), give a description of the person(s) sex, race, clothing, type of weapon(s), location last seen, direction of travel, and identity – if known.
   • If you have observed any victims, give a description of the location they were seen and a description.
   • Keep your hands visible to law enforcement.
4. HIDE  – If you can’t run away, seek immediate shelter.
   • Proceed to a room that can be locked or barricaded.
   • Lock and barricade doors and windows. Turn off lights. Close blinds. Block windows.
   • Turn off radios and other devices that emit sound.
   • Keep yourself out of sight and take adequate cover/protection (e.g., hide inside a closet, get behind concrete walls, thick desks, filing cabinets, or any other object that will stop bullet penetration.)
   • Stay close to the ground after locking the door and finding a hiding place.
   • Silence cell phones.
   • Have one person call 9-1-1 and provide: “this is (name), (give your location) and we have an (describe threat, e.g. gunshots, subject is stabbing people).” if you are able to see the offender(s), give a description of the person(s) sex, race, clothing, type of weapon(s), location last seen, direction of travel, and identity – if known.
   • If you have observed any victims, give a description of the location seen and a description.
   • If you observed any suspicious devices (improvised explosive devices), provide the location seen and description.
   • If you heard any explosions, provide a description and location.
   • Wait patiently until a uniformed police officer or an WSU official provides an “all clear” Ask for identification to confirm the responder’s status.
   • Unfamiliar voices may be an Active Assailant/Armed Intruder trying to lure you from safety; do not respond to commands until you can verify with certainty that they are being issued by a police officer, or WSU official.
   • Rescue of people should only be attempted if it can be accomplished without further endangering the persons inside the secure area.
   • Depending on circumstances, consideration may also be given to exiting ground floor windows as safely and quietly as possible.
   • If a lockdown is implemented, no one will be allowed to enter or leave the building.

If an active threat/shooter enters your office or classroom, you should:

1. FIGHT – If there are no other options to safely escape, and you are confronted by the assailant/intruder, take action to disrupt and/or incapacitate the assailant/intruder using all available resources (acting aggressively, yelling, throwing items, improvising weapons).
2. Fight for your life.

When Law Enforcement Arrives:

1. Remain calm and follow instructions.
2. Keep your hands raised and visible at all times.
3. Avoid pointing, screaming, or yelling.
4. Avoid quick movements toward officers.
5. Remember, the first officers on scene will not help the injured on the way into the building. There will be rescue teams who follow to treat those who are injured.

If you are in an outside location and encounter an active assailant, you should:

1. Try to remain calm.
2. Move away from the assailant or sounds of gunshots(s) and/or explosions(s).
3. Look for appropriate locations for cover/protection (e.g., brick walls, retaining walls, large trees, parked vehicles, or any other object that may stop bullet penetration.)
4. Try to warn other faculty, staff, students, and visitors to take immediate cover.
5. Call 9-1-1 and provide the following information:
   • “this is (name), (give your location) and we have an (describe threat, e.g. gunshots, subject is stabbing people).” if you are able to see the offender(s), give a description of the person(s) sex, race, clothing, type of weapon(s), location last seen, direction of travel, and identity – if known.

Recovery

1. University leadership will work with Law Enforcement and Environmental Health & Safety to verify the reopening of the building after an incident. Departments/campus leadership will coordinate a debriefing with staff and offer education and appropriate resources as needed. Be prepared to be interviewed by officials. Contact your supervisor to seek employee assistant services, such as counseling services.
2. Some events (e.g., active threat, explosions, medical emergencies) can have long-term impacts on individuals. Being able to talk about your experience in a safe, supportive environment may be helpful. If you are interested in confidential counseling and referral services, please peak with your supervisor and/or HRS about the Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Student care resources are available through the Student Care Network.