UW Police Department

What do I do if I'm in an active threat situation?

*You need to quickly decide the most reasonable way to protect your own life.  Students are likely to follow the lead of faculty and staff during emergency situations.

RUN

• Have an escape route and plan in mind
• Leave your belongings behind
• Keep your hands visible

HIDE

• Hide in an area out of the active shooter's view
• Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors

FIGHT

• Use only as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger
• Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter
• Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter

REPORT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO

YOU CAN REPORT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

• DIAL 911
• UTILIZING THE UW TEXT TIPS PROGRAM To send an anonymous tip via text message to the UWPD please text the keyword UWYO and your message to 847411 (Tips411)
• DIAL 307-766-5179

What information does 911 need?

• Location of the active shooter
• Number of shooters, if more than one
• Physical description of shooter(s)
• Number and type of weapons held by the shooter(s)
• Number of potential victims at the location

What do I do when Law Enforcement Arrives?

• Remain calm and follow officers' instructions
• Immediately raise hands and spread fingers
• Keep hands visible at all times
• Avoid making quick movements toward officers such as attempting to hold on to them for safety
• Avoid pointing, screaming and/or yelling
• Do not stop to ask officers for help or directions when evacuating, just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises

Recognizing Signs of Potential Workplace Violence

An active threat may come from a current or former employee/student.  Alert Human Resources or your Department Head if you believe an individual is showing potentially violent behavior.  Indicators of potentially violent behavior may include one or more of the following:

• Increased use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs
• Unexplained increase in absenteeism, and/or vague physical complaints
• Depression/Withdrawal
• Increased severe mood swings, and noticeably unstable or emotional responses
• Increasingly talks of problems at home
• Increase in unsolicited comments about violence, firearms, and other dangerous weapons and violent crimes

*Information gathered from the Department of Homeland Security

Read the Department of Homeland Security's Active Shooter response guide.  

For local training's or more information, please contact Sgt. Bade at 307-766-5179.