Active Shooter / CODE REACT

 An Active Shooter can be defined as an armed person(s) (i.e. handgun, rifle, etc.) who has used deadly physical force on other person(s) and continues to do so while having unrestricted access to additional victims. Every active shooter situation is unpredictable and will require individual judgment and alterations given unique circumstance of each situation. However below are basic recommendations to follow to help protect in these situations.

An active shooter situation will be announced to the UWSP campus as “CODE REACT – ACTIVE SHOOTER on campus”. The campus will make all attempts to notify campus utilizing email, computer pop-ups screens, verbal or other, and notification via available speaker systems (through the fire alarms) in those buildings equipped with such systems. See communications sections for further details on notifications.

Response

 Voice commands from responding emergency personnel shall be followed at all times. However, if you are not under the direction of emergency response personnel and you hear the term CODE REACT/ACTIVE SHOOTER announced or made otherwise aware of an active shooter take the follow steps depending upon your location and the given circumstances listed the below scenarios:

In the affected building and able to escape shooter’s area and able to exit building:

1. Exit the building immediately using the nearest exit or window (if safe), move to a safe location.
2. Warn others on way out of emergency and need to exit immediately.
3. Call 911 or UWSP Protective Services (3456) at safe location. (Use phone in other building, cell phone, or Blue Light phones). Provide police with the following:
   1. Your name and location.
   2. Nature of the incident.
   3. Location of the incident and location of shooter.
   4. Number of shooters involved if known.
   5. Identification or description of the shooter(s).
   6. Weapon or weapons involved (i.e. rifle, handgun, etc.)
   7. If medical assistance is needed. If possible, follow medical emergencies procedures if immediate medical assistance is required.
   8. Other requested information.
   9. If requested meet emergency response personnel in safe location for further debriefing.
4. If police have already responded when evacuating follow their orders exactly and answer their questions.  Keep your hands empty, raised, and in plain view at all times. Carry nothing that could be mistaken for a weapon. Remember police do not know who the shooter is. Stay away from affected building(s).
5. Wait for directions from emergency personnel and campus. Follow directions below for “NOT in Affected Buildings”.

In the affected building & able to escape shooter’s immediate area but unable to exit the building: 

1. As soon as possible go to a safe location away from the violence and danger. Notify anyone you may encounter to do the same.
2. Go to the nearest room or office that is safe and lock door if able. Draw window shades if available. Barricade entrance if possible with desks, chairs, etc. Do not answer the door.
   1. For classrooms – stay in classroom and lock door if able. Faculty leading classrooms are to follow these instructions and direct their students in these steps
3. Spread out if able. Do not huddle together. Keep calm and keep other calm.
4. Call 911 or UWSP Protective Services (3456) if safe to do so. Provide police with the following:
   1. Your name and location.
   2. Nature of the incident.
   3. Location of the incident and location of shooter.
   4. Number of shooters involved if known.
   5. Identification or description of the shooter(s).
   6. Weapon or weapons involved (i.e. rifle, handgun, etc.)
   7. If medical assistance is needed. If possible, follow medical emergencies procedures if immediate medical assistance is required.
   8. Other requested information.
   9. If requested meet emergency response personnel in safe location for further debriefing.
5. Turn off lights, go to the back of the room and remain quiet. Act as if no one is in the room. Stay down at ground level (kneel or lay down). Take protective cover under desk or other location. Stay away from windows and doors. Think of plan of action if shooter enters your room (see below for direct conflict guidance).
6. Wait until Police respond and provide direction. When you encounter the police follow their orders exactly and answer their questions.  Keep your hands empty, raised, and in plain view at all times. Carry nothing that could be mistaken for a weapon. Remember police do not know who the shooter is.

Unable to escape shooter’s area and in direct conflict with shooter:

1. There is no one exact procedure in these excruciating situations. Call 911 if at all possible and leave phone line open if unable to talk. 
2. If able to escape – do so immediately and follow above instructions.
3. If unable to escape, use your best judgment and what you are capable of. Only you can decide what you are capable of. Below are possibilities:
   1. Defend yourself with all available means. (i.e. - Throw objects at the shooter’s face and body with force and attempt to escape. Attempt to overtake the shooter. All available persons attacking the shooter and subdue to the ground, and disarm. Sit or kneel on shooter’s back, neck, arms, chest, legs, or escape).
   2. Attempt to negotiate with the shooter.
   3. “Playing dead” may be a consideration.
   4. Other individual decision or actions to protect oneself or others.

Remainder of Campus Community NOT in the Affected Buildings:

1. Upon notification of CODE REACT/ACTIVE SHOOTER:
   1. DO NOT go near affected building(s).
   2. Stay in safe location and lock doors.
   3. Remain in safe location until notified by authorities or campus (i.e. stay in secure classroom/office, residential hall, etc.).
   4. If hear the notification off-campus, REMAIN off campus until notified by authorities it is safe to return to campus.

Other Information & Resources for Active Shooter / CODE REACT

·         For Faculty teaching course – direct your students in above steps. 

·         Supervisors/Managers shall direct their employees in above steps.

·         Training in above procedures prior to event is critical for all of the campus community so that response is a reaction, not a question. Contact UWSP Protective Services to schedule training.

·         Remain calm as possible in these situations and keep focused on survival. Be familiar with the building rooms, routes, and exits. See building maps on walls of the buildings on the EMP website. Prepare in advance.   

·         The UWSP Protective Services and Stevens Point Police Department will respond to these situations and take incident command. Theses units will evaluate the situation to determine the best course of action for the safety of the UWSP community. As stated every situation is unique. Use the above procedures as best possible and follow closely the direction from the responding Police.  

·         University Counseling Center, 346-3553, will be made available after any active shooter situation. Announcement will be made with necessary details.