Your Safety

Active Threat Information

Events of the past years have called attention to the need to be prepared for a wide range of emergencies. The tragedies of Morgan State University, Michigan State University, University of Virginia, Umpqua Community College, and the University of California Santa Barbara have caused campuses across the country to reassess their level of preparedness. Our police department has for many years conducted training for our officers on responding to an active threat incident. We continue extensive on-going training for a response to these types of incidents.

The awareness and preparedness of members of our community is equally important. We present this information for your use and distribution.

ACTIVE THREAT COMMUNITY TRAINING PROGRAM

The USF Police Department and USF Emergency Management have partnered to provide the USF Community with safety training through a series of modules related to active threats on campus.

Active Threat Community Training Module #1 - Basic Active Threat

This course provides general guidance to community members including students, employees, managers, and departments on prevention, protection, and response to an active threat situation. This is the first course in the four-part Active Threat Community Training. Prerequisites: None

Active Threat Community Training Module #2 - Stop the Bleed Training

This course provides STOP THE BLEED® training to community members including students, employees, managers, and departments. This course provides the ability to recognize life-threatening bleeding, act quickly and effectively to control bleeding, and become empowered to make a life-or-death difference when a bleeding emergency happens. This is the second course in the four-part Active Threat Community Training. Prerequisites: None

Active Threat Community Training Module #3 - Shelter in Place Drill

This course provides campus departments and organizations the capability to test and evaluate sheltering in place in response to an active threat situation. This course focuses on physical protective measures, community resilience, and risk reduction while building on previous training modules. This is the third course in the four-part Active Threat Community Training.  Prerequisites: ATCT1, ACTC2

Active Threat Community Training Module #4 - Active Threat Scenario Exercise

This training provides a hands-on exercise for campus departments and organizations review and practice the knowledge from the previous three training modules. This training provides the capability to test and evaluate an area response to an active threat situation followed by a debriefing. This is the fourth course in the four-part Active Threat Community Training. Prerequisites: ATCT1, ACTC2, ACTC3

*All sessions are in person trainings. The program is geared to each module enhancing knowledge and skills practice from the previous. Modules 1 and 2 must be completed before scheduling module 3. Module 3 must be completed before scheduling module 4. The program series must be completed within an 18-month timeframe.

To request an Active Threat Training Module (Click here)

For more information, please contact USFPDcrimeprevention@usf.edu.

If you witness any armed individual on campus at any time, immediately contact the Police Department via 9-1-1. In the event of an active shooter incident, please consider taking the following actions:

Contact Authorities:

  • Use emergency 9-1-1 system (only one person per room).
  • Be aware that the 9-1-1 system will likely be overwhelmed.

Flee the building if safe to do so:

  • If it is possible to flee the area safely and avoid danger, do so. Do not attempt to flee if the shooter is between you and the exit. If you are unsure, do not attempt to flee.
  • Once outside get far away from the shooting scene and contact the Police Department.
  • If you encounter Police Officers as you leave the building they may direct you to one collection point.
  • Keep your hands visible (on your head or showing open in front of you).
  • Do not pull the fire alarm, it will provide the shooter with more opportunities to cause harm.
  • Contact the police via 9-1-1.

If you are unable to flee the building secure your immediate area or move to a safe area if possible:

  • Turn off all the lights and close blinds, lock all windows and doors.
  • Turn off radios and computer monitors.
  • Silence all cell phones.
  • If you can do so safely, get everyone on the floor and out of the line of fire.
  • Keep everyone calm, quiet and out of sight.
  • Take adequate cover/protection (i.e. concrete walls, thick desks, filing cabinets).
  • Place signs on exterior windows to identify the location of injured persons.
  • Stay in your secure location of the building until an "all clear" instruction is given by an authorized or known voice.
  • If the staff or students do not recognize the voice that is giving instruction, they should not change their status. Unknown or unfamiliar voices may be false and designed to give false assurances.

If the shooter enters your class or office:

  • There is no one procedure that can be recommended in this situation.
  • Attempt to get the word out to other staff if possible, and call 911 if that seems practical.
  • Use common sense. If hiding or flight is impossible, remain quiet. Attempting to negotiate with the individual may be very dangerous.
  • Attempting to overcome the individual with force is a last resort that should only be initiated in the most extreme circumstances.
  • Remember, there may be more than one active shooter.
  • Be careful not to make any changes to the scene of the incident since law enforcement authorities will investigate the area later.

What to Report:

  • Your specific location: building name, floor and office or room number.
  • Number of people at your specific location.
  • Injuries: number injured and types of injuries.
  • Assailant(s):
    • Location
    • Number of suspects
    • Race/gender
    • Clothing description
    • Physical features (height, weight, facial hair, glasses, etc.)
    • Type of weapons (long gun or hand gun)
    • Backpack
    • Shooter's identity, if known
    • Do you hear explosions separate from gunfire?

Police Response:

  • The Police objective is to immediately isolate/engage assailant(s) to stop the shooting as soon as possible.
  • Remain calm; do as the officers tell you.
  • Put down bags/packages and keep your hands visible at all times.
  • If you know where the shooter is, tell the officers.
  • The first officers will not stop to aid injured persons.
  • Rescue teams will follow the first officers into secured areas to treat and remove injured persons.
  • Investigation will follow.