Responding To An Active Shooter Campus Community Training Session Presented By The University of Texas at Tyler Police Department

Mike Medders Michael Seale Michael Marcano Presenters Mike Medders Michael Seale Michael Marcano Olimpia Morales Beverly Kennedy Chief of Police, U.T. Tyler Lieutenant, U.T. Tyler P.D. Tactical Officer, U.T. Tyler P.D. Sergeant, U.T. Tyler P.D. Sergeant, U.T. Tyler P.D. U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017 Prevention Is The Goal See Something, Say Something 24/7 Patrol Behavioral Intervention Team High Risk Issues Law Enforcement Intelligence Video Surveillance HOWEVER, We must also be prepared for a time when prevention efforts are not enough…. U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017 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. U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

If it sounds like a gunshot…… Assume that it is until you know otherwise. U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

Characteristics of An Active Shooter Event • Victims are selected at random • The event is unpredictable and evolves quickly • Law enforcement is usually required to end an active shooter situation U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

We Use The “Run-Hide-Fight” Method “RUN-HIDE-FIGHT” is simple to remember in an emergency. “RUN-HIDE-FIGHT” allows each individual to make their own decisions about their personal safety. “RUN-HIDE-FIGHT” is a flexible system for universities with vast and varied buildings and campuses. U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

Some of The Agencies Endorsing Run-Hide-Fight U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017 RUN – with a purpose (RUN means MOVE QUICKLY) WHEN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER IS IN YOUR VICINITY: If there is a clear escape path, attempt to evacuate. Evacuate whether others agree or not. Leave your belongings behind. Help others escape if possible. Warn others not to enter the area as you exit. As soon as you reach a position of safety, call 9-1-1. U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017 HIDE – with a purpose WHEN EVACUATION IS NOT feasible , FIND A PLACE TO HIDE There are a number of reasons evacuation may not be the best option. (health/mobility, fear, lack of building knowledge, etc.) When Hiding: Lock and/or barricade the door. Turn off the lights. Silence your cell phone. Hide behind large objects. Remain quiet. U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017 FIGHT – with a purpose AS A LAST RESORT, and ONLY IF YOUR LIFE IS IN DANGER Act with physical aggression. Channel your fear into anger towards attacker! Improvise a weapon from any object you can find nearby. Commit to your actions. Act together to incapacitate the shooter. (Pulse) Refuse To Be a Victim! U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

“Cover” vs. “Concealment” Cover: Is any material that can reasonably be expected to stop bullets or other projectiles. (ex: concrete pillar, brick walls, vehicle engine block) Concealment: Will only hide you from the Shooter’s view or line of sight. It does not provide the proper protection from bullets or other projectiles. It may still be enough to save your life! (ex: under furniture) U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

Understanding The Police Response (History) 1966 – UT Austin Tower Shooting – 96 minutes. Incident ended when patrol officers climbed to the top of the tower and engaged the shooter, killing him. (officers carried no long guns at this time) Led to development of S.W.A.T. teams across the nation 1999 – Columbine High School – changed the way police respond to an active shooter incident (officers waited for swat ) ALERRT – Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

Understand The Police Response University Police will arrive within 2 minutes anywhere on campus. Officers entering the building are trained for this situation. Police officers are trained to follow the shots until shooter is located and neutralized. Rescue team will treat victims. Follow all police instructions to help reduce chaos. Arriving officers are trying to identify the Perpetrator. Keep your hands visible. There may be officers from other agencies on scene to assist, some in plain clothes. U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

Information To Try and Remember Location of The Active Shooter Number of Shooters Physical Description of The Shooter Types of Weapons Observed Number of Potential Victims and Their Location U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017 Concealed Carriers… You have the right to protect yourself and others around you. DO: Follow your LTC training until police arrive. DON’T: Leave a safe area to pursue a threat. DO: Identify yourself as having a weapon with you. DON’T: Don’t display the gun or point it at anyone. DO: Follow officer directions. DON’T: Act impulsively or make sudden moves. U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

Communication During Event Once an active shooter event has been reported, the University Emergency Communication System, “Patriot Alert” will be activated. This is a layered system including Text, Email, Phones, Outdoor and Indoor Speaker Systems. Updates may be sent if/when more information is available. Shooter events are generally over in 8-10 minutes, so updates may be sparse at times. Always wait for “ALL CLEAR”. Correct contact information in Patriot Alert System is critical! U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

Active Shooter vs. Hostage Situation Active shooter does not want anything other than notoriety Hostage taker does want something. Trained police negotiators will be called to scene If you find yourself in the middle of a hostage situation, stay calm. This may become a protracted event. Time is on our side. Most hostage situations are resolved peacefully, but police will be ready to intervene if it appears the situation is about to escalate or turn violent. U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

Characteristics of An Active Shooter Generally, a loner. Injustice collector, “mad at the world” Has one goal in mind. Notoriety. Wants to be remembered. Committed to his actions. Knows the consequences and has accepted this is most likely his last day on earth. Virginia Tech Shooter U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

Develop a “Survival Mindset” Why this is happening doesn’t matter. Survival is what matters. The perpetrator has committed to his actions. He knows he is not going home today. Turn your fear into anger and action. Many people have survived gunshot wounds. “I will win” “I will go home today” U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017 Advanced Preparation Prepare on a department level. Know your surroundings. Know basic first aid. U.T. Tyler Police Department, 2017

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