Responding to an Active Shooter Situation

Actions to Take in an Active Shooter Situation

Avoid, deny, and defend (ADD) in an active shooter situation. Call the Police when you are SAFE! What to tell the dispatcher:

• LOCATION of the active shooter(s)
• NUMBER of active shooters
• DESCRIPTION of shooter(s) gender, race, clothing, stature
• TYPE of weapon(s) and how many
• NUMBER of potential victims

From your desk or cell phone, dial 911!

In the Event of an Active Shooter Situation: AVOID, DENY, and DEFEND (ADD)

AVOID

• If possible, get out to avoid the active shooter(s).
• Know exits and secondary escape routes (example: break windows, walls, etc.).
• Leave all belongings behind and get to safety.

DENY

• Deny the shooter(s) access to your location - Lock and barricade the door.
• Turn off the lights.
• Turn off all sounds and silence cell phones.

DEFEND (if comfortable)

• Set up counterattack.
• Attack the shooter's weapon and get it away from the shooter.
• Go for the eyes and throat.
• Secure the weapon and the shooter.
• Wait for the police to arrive.

When Police Arrive:

• Follow commands.
• Show your open hands.
• If carrying concealed, holster your weapon.
• Everyone will be evacuated; it may take time.

If not immediately impacted by the incident, take the following actions:

• Stay away from the building and notify anyone around to stay away.
• Obey all verbal directions or commands given by police personnel.
• Take protective cover and stay away from all doors and windows.

Active Shooter Education

The Texas Tech Police Department presents classroom instruction and guidance on how to respond to, and increase chances of survival, during active shooter incidents.

NOTE: Police Officers from multiple agencies are likely to respond to incidents involving an active shooter. Remember that the police are there to isolate and stop the shooter first and then will make every effort to ensure the wounded are evacuated and provided with medical treatment. In the event Police are encountered while still inside of a building, or within an area being targeted by the shooter, a person may be treated as a suspect or a potential threat. The procedures a person may witness are not intended to further traumatize victims but are instead performed to ensure no potential threats are overlooked and all potential threats are stopped. A bystander should immediately obey all verbal directions and commands given and realize the police will make every effort to ensure bystanders' safety.