According to the definition of an active Shooter event, the overriding objective
The UHCL Police Department is implementing enhancements to improve its communication procedures; provide situation-specific instructions for students, faculty and staff; and supplement overall classroom and building security measures. We remain committed to maintaining a safe campus environment for UHCL. If you have any questions about our Active Shooter Preparedness and Resources, or any other security concerns, please email us at [email protected]. #STAYSAFEUHCL The UHCL Police Department will conduct Civilian Response to Active Shooter Event (CRASE) training, which will include approximately four classes per semester. These classes are open to all students, faculty and staff on a walk-in basis. We are also available for campus groups upon request. Send an email to [email protected] or call 281-283-2224 to set up a training day and time. Special AccommodationsIf you need special accommodations for a disability to participate in training, contact the UHCL Police Department at 281-283-2222 or [email protected] at least one week prior to the event to make arrangements. Civilian response to an active shooter event (courtesy of Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center) Active Shooter Defined The National Tactical Officers Association defines "active shooter" as one or more subjects who participate in a random or systematic shooting spree, demonstrating their intent to continuously harm others. An active shooter's overriding objective appears to be that of mass murder, rather than criminal conduct such as robbery, kidnapping, etc. The definition of an active shooter can include any assault with a deadly weapon, causing a mass homicide. The history of active shooter incidents is very dynamic, and no procedures or guidelines can cover every aspect. An active shooter incident may quickly become a hostage or barricade situation, or vice versa. When an individual has arrived on a campus with the means and motivation to commit a shooting spree, statistics indicate that they are likely to continue their action until they are confronted by a greater force. Most active shooter incidents were committed by a lone assailant, but some involved multiple assailants. Many active shooter incidents occurred in extreme close quarters while a few occurred at longer distances by a sniper. If you're ever in public and think you hear gunshots, assume it's gunshots and respond accordingly. If you think you see someone with a weapon, assume they have a weapon, even if you're not sure. Trust your intuition. Remaining calm and using common sense will increase your ability to survive a critical incident like this. AVOID There are many ways to avoid being seen or injured by a person with a weapon:
Lock Down and Deny A lockdown may be instructed during situations, such as the presence of a hostile or armed intruder inside a building. A lockdown requires locking doors and windows, and barricading yourself to block entry to a campus facility, a classroom or an office suite. The term "lockdown" is often confused with "shelter in place," which involves responding to a threat posed by atmospheric contamination. Due to the varying levels of construction and architectural design of the buildings on campus, one classroom or office may provide more security than another. Interior walls built with steel, concrete or brick will provide more cover than ones built with sheetrock. Inward opening doors can be barricaded to prevent intrusion while outward opening doors can't. Solid core doors provide more concealment and protection than ones that are hollow or have windows. If you can't immediately and safely escape, lock down in the nearest safe classroom or office, and deny the assailant access.
Alert and Notify Whether your immediate action is to escape or lock down, alert as many people as possible of the incident, and warn them to avoid the dangerous area. Call 911, but be aware that the 911 system may be overwhelmed. Program UHCLPD's 24-hour emergency number (281-283-2222) into your cell phone. Always notify the police department as soon as it is safe to do so. What to report:
Defend and Counter
This is not a recommendation to attack the shooter but rather a response option to fight when there is only one other alternative. Police Intervention UHCLPD's overriding objective is to quickly locate the assailant and stop the killing by all means necessary. To do this, the first responding officers will bypass the wounded. More officers will arrive to attend to the injured once the assailant has been neutralized. When encountering law enforcement personnel, do exactly as they tell you. Leave your personal belongings behind and carry nothing in your hands. Keep your hands visible to the officers at all times. Do not make any sudden movements or gestures. If you have real-time, pertinent information about the incident or assailant, tell the responding officers. Officers may ask additional questions. You will be directed to a safe area away from the critical incident where follow-up medical care and counseling will be initiated. |