Hostile Intruder(s)

Active Shooter: How to Respond Booklet (PDF Download)

(Online Course)

This training guide cannot cover every possible situation that might occur but it is a training tool that can reduce the number of injuries or death if put into action as soon as a situation develops. Time is the most important factor in the optimal management of these types of situations. The objectives of University Police in dealing with incidents of mass shootings, barricaded subjects, and hostage situations are to:

Secure safe release of any hostages involved.
Minimize risk to uninvolved people and police personnel.
Apprehend offender(s) with the amount of force that is reasonable given the circumstances.
Secure available evidence to assist in the appropriate disposition of the offender(s).

Hostile Intruder(s) on the Grounds of the University
When a hostile person(s) is actively causing death or serious physical injury or the threat of imminent death or serious physical injury to person(s) on the campus, we recommend the following procedures be implemented:
- Run away from the threat if you can, as fast as you can. Contact University Police (Ext. 36222 or 410-543-6222) if possible or dial 911 on a cell phone or blue light phone.
- Do not run in a straight line.
- Keep vehicles, bushes, trees, and anything that could possibly block your view from the hostile person(s) while you are running.
- If you can get away from the immediate area of danger, summon help and warn others.
- If you decide to hide, take into consideration the area in which you are hiding. Will I be found here? Is this really a good spot to remain hidden? Hide behind solid doors that can be locked from the inside and stay as low to the ground as possible. Use anything you can to block the doors.
- The last option you have if caught in an open area outside may be to fight back. This is dangerous, but depending on your situation, this could be your last option. If you fight back, use anything that will cause immediate harm to the suspect(s).
- If you are caught by the intruder and you are not going to fight back, do not look the intruder in the eyes, and obey all commands. Do not appear to pose a challenge—be submissive.
- Once the police arrive, obey all commands. This may involve your being handcuffed or made to put your hands in the air. This is done for safety reasons, and once circumstances are evaluated by the police, they will give you further directions to follow.
Hostile Intruder(s) in a Non-Residence Hall Building
When a hostile person(s) is actively causing death or serious bodily injury or the threat of imminent death or serious bodily injury to person(s) within a building, we recommend the following procedures be implemented.

While the guide refers primarily to academic buildings, it should be stated that these procedures are also relevant to administrative buildings and other common buildings on the campus:
- Run to a safe location if you have a clear path to an exit. If this is not possible, then take shelter immediately in a room with a lockable door. Cover any windows or openings that have a direct line of sight into the hallway. Block the door with anything heavy to deny entrance to the room.
- If communication is available, call University Police (Ext. 36222 or 410-543-6222) if possible or dial 911 on a cell phone or blue light phone.
- 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 attempted to exit.
- Lock the windows and close blinds or curtains.
- Stay away from the windows and get as low to the ground as possible.
- Turn off lights and all audio equipment.
- Try to remain as calm as possible.
- Keep everyone together.
- Keep classrooms secure until police arrive and give you directions.
- If you are not in a classroom, try to run to a safe location.
- Stay out of open areas and be as quiet as possible. If for some reason you are caught in an open area such as a hallway or lounge, you must decide what you are going to do. This is a very crucial time and it can possibly mean life or death.
Hostile Intruder(s) in a Residence Hall
When a hostile person(s) is actively causing deadly harm or the imminent threat of deadly harm within the residence hall, we recommend the following procedures be implemented:
- Run to a safe location if you have a clear path to an exit. If you cannot run or escape, lock yourself in your room.
- If communication is available, call University Police (Ext. 36222 or 410-543-6222) if possible or dial 911 on a cell phone or blue light phone. If away from your room, join others in a room that can be locked.
- Do not stay in the open hall. Do not sound the fire alarm. A fire alarm would signal the occupants in the rooms to evacuate the building and thus place them in potential harm as they attempted to exit.
- Barricade yourself in your room with desks, beds, or anything you can push against the door.
- Lock your window and close blinds or curtains.
- Stay away from the window.
- Turn all lights and audio equipment off.
- Get as low to the ground as possible. Try to stay calm and be as quiet as possible.
- If you are caught in the open such as hallways and lounge areas, you must decide what you are going to do. This is a very crucial time and can possibly mean life or death depending on your actions.

Survival Tips

You can try to hide, but make sure it is a well-hidden space or you may be found as the intruder moves through the building looking for victims.
If you think you can safely make it out of the building by running, do so. If you decide to run, do not run in a straight line. Attempt to keep objects such as, desks, cabinets, fixtures, etc. between you and the hostile person(s). Once outside, do not run in a straight line. Use trees, vehicles, and other objects to block you from the view of intruders.
Your last option if you are caught in an open area in a building may be to fight back. This is dangerous, but depending on your situation, this could be your last option.
If you are caught by the intruder and are not going to fight back, obey all commands and do not look the intruder in the eyes.
Once the police arrive, obey all commands. This may involve being handcuffed, or keeping your hands in the air. This is done for safety reasons, and once circumstances are evaluated by the police, they will give you further directions to follow.

Hostage Procedures

The initial 45 minutes are the most dangerous. Follow instructions, be alert and stay alive. The captor is likely to be emotionally imbalanced.

Do not speak unless spoken to and then only when necessary. Do not talk down to the captor who may be in an agitated state. Avoid appearing hostile.
Avoid speculating. Comply with instructions as best you can. Avoid arguments. Expect the unexpected.
Be observant. You may be released or have the opportunity to escape. The personal safety of others may depend on your memory.
Be prepared to answer the police on the phone. Be patient, wait. If the opportunity presents itself, attempt to establish rapport with the captor. If medications, first aid, or rest room privileges are needed by anyone, say so. In all probability, the captors do not want to harm persons held by them. Such direct action further implicates the captor in additional offenses.

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