An active threat is a person(s) who appears to be actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in populated areas on campus. Active threat situations are dynamic and evolve rapidly. These types of situations demand immediate response
by the community and immediate deployment of law enforcement resources to minimize harm to the college population.
Individuals must be prepared mentally and physically to take direct responsibility for their personal safety and security. In general, how you respond to an active shooter will be dictated by the specific circumstances of the encounter.
If you see someone brandishing a weapon, hear shots fired, or encounter a dangerous person posing an immediate threat to oneself or others’ health or safety, get to a safe location and immediately call 911 and then notify campus Public Safety
at 503-491-7911.
The Public Safety department has standard operating procedures in place to guide officers in responding to active shooter(s) and conducting lockdowns
There are three things you can do to make a difference during an active threat event: Run, Hide (Lockdown), Fight.
Run
- When an active threat is in your vicinity, run.
- If there is an escape path, attempt to evacuate.
- Evacuate whether others agree to or not.
- Leave your belongings behind.
- Help others escape if possible.
- Prevent others from entering the area.
- Call 9-1-1 when you are safe.
Hide (Lockdown)
- If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide.
- Lock and/or barricade the door.
- Silence your cell phone.
- Turn out the lights.
- Hide behind large objects.
- Remain very quiet.
- Your hiding place should be out of the shooter’s view, provide protection if shots are fired in your direction and not trap or restrict your options for movement.
Fight
- As a last resort, if your life is in danger, fight back.
- Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
- Act with physical aggression.
- Improvise weapons, such as using a chair or fire extinguisher to strike the shooter.
- Commit to your actions.
Finally, when law enforcement arrives, remain calm and follow directions; keep your hands visible at all times; avoid pointing or yelling; and know that help for the injured is on the way. The first responders on the scene are not there to
evacuate or tend to the injured. They are well trained and are there to stop the shooter.
Links to videos about responding to an Active Shooter Crisis Situation: