Subject: Active Assailant Awareness and Response

Approved By: Tony Massey

Effective Date: 15 December 2025

Last Reviewed Date: 15 December 2025

Policy Owner: Director of IT Infrastructure

Policy #

PURPOSE #

Active assailant situations involve one or more individuals actively engaged in committing a violent act, which may include the use of firearms, knives, vehicles, or any other method to cause immediate harm to people in a confined and/or populated area. Victims are usually selected at random.

Active assailant situations evolve quickly and are very unpredictable. Typically, immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop the violence and mitigate harm to victims. On learning there is an active assailant or other violent situation at or near your location, TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION! Do not wait for instructions.

ACTION PLAN: RUN, HIDE, FIGHT #

1. RUN (Get out):
   • Evacuate yourself and others if safe to do so. Your life is the priority.
   • Have an escape route and plan in mind; know your surroundings.
   • Leave your belongings behind.
   • Keep your hands visible (make sure hands are visible for responding law enforcement).

• HIDE (Cover up – lock down):
  • Hide out, seek available cover, stay hidden away from exposure to glass, windows, or outside areas. Go to a secure room or office if safe to do so.
  • Block entry to your hiding place and lock doors (use heavy furniture or objects to barricade the door).
  • Silence your cell phone and turn off vibration!
  • If safe to do so, call 911 immediately and provide details of the situation.
  • Stay hidden inside the building unless instructed to evacuate by a verified police officer.

Do NOT open the door for anyone that is not a Police Officer, and NEVER open the door just because the person is yelling “police!” or “open up!” Assailants have been known to impersonate law enforcement to lure victims out of hiding.

you cannot establish contact with 911 or get a direct verification, continue to remain hidden and barricaded until the all-clear is given by a verified official. Survival dictates prioritizing remaining hidden and barricaded over opening the door for anyone you cannot 100% verify.

There are several ways to safely verify:

The Dispatch/911 Verification Method (recommended) #

If you are safely hiding and have called 911 (or are in contact via text):

• Ask the Dispatcher: Tell the 911 operator (or police dispatcher) that you are locked down in a specific location (e.g., “Room 205”) and that someone is attempting to gain entry claiming to be a police officer.
• Request a Code Word/Information: Ask the dispatcher to verify if officers are at your location and request a specific piece of information from them, such as:
  • The Officer’s Badge Number or Rank: The dispatcher can try to radio the officer or team near your location.
  • A “Password” or Code Word: Have the dispatcher provide a password to you that the police office will speak at the door.
  • Listen for an Announcement: The dispatcher may be able to confirm that the team at your location is law enforcement and is requesting entry to clear the room.

Visual and Audible Confirmation #

While police officers will be easily identifiable by their uniform, vests, helmet, and visible weapons, an assailant could also wear these. Use these as initial indicators, but not as sole confirmation:

• Visible Police Identification: Look for standard police duty belts, vests with clear “POLICE” or “SWAT” markings, and possibly a visible badge (though this is difficult to see through a door).
• Listen for Commands: Officers entering a scene typically shout loud, clear commands (e.g., “Police! Get on the ground!” or “Clear the hallway!”).

3. FIGHT (Act if no other choice):
   • As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, and you cannot run or hide.
   • Attempt to incapacitate the assailant.
   • Act with physical aggression and commitment. Throw items, use improvised weapons, and shout to distract or confuse the assailant.

Information to Provide Law Enforcement / 911 Operator #

• Accurate information helps law enforcement respond effectively. Be ready to provide:
• Location of the active assailant(s) (Building name, floor, room number).
• Number of assailants and physical description(s).
• Type of weapons used or held (firearms, knives, blunt objects, etc.).
• Number of potential victims or injured persons.

How to Respond When Law Enforcement Arrives #

Keep in mind, the first officers into the building are typically focused on eliminating the threat and are not going to stop to assist with evacuations or tend to the wounded. You should:

• Remain calm and follow all instructions immediately.
• Put down any items in your hands (bags, jackets, phones, etc.).
• Raise your hands and spread your fingers. Always keep hands visible to law enforcement.
• Avoid quick movements toward officers such as reaching toward them or holding onto them for safety.
• Avoid pointing, yelling, or shouting instructions at the officers.
• Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating.

You may be requested to exit your area with your hands above your head. You will be told to leave all bags, backpacks, and briefcases in your office.

Downloads #