Active Shooter

Definition

An Active Shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in populated area (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

Basic Information

In most cases, active shooters or assailants use firearms or any weapon that can be used to kill and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. 

Typically, the immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to victims.

Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.

We encourage you to read the following recommendations below on how you can protect yourself.

Statistics

  • Since 2000, 15 Active Shooter scenarios have been reported on college campuses (Federal Bureau of Investigation).
  • 56% of Active Shooter scenarios end before the Police even arrive.

Run-Hide-Fight

Run: 

  • Have an escape route and plan in mind.
  • Leave your belongings behind.
  • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
  • Help others escape, if possible.
  • Do not attempt to move the wounded.
  • Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be. 
  • Keep your hands visible.
  • Call 9-1-1 when you are safe 

Hide:

  • Hide in an area out of the shooter's view.
  • Lock door and block entry to your hiding place.
  • Silence your cell phone (including vibrate mode) and remain quiet.

Fight:

  • Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger.
  • Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
  • Act with as much physical aggression as possible.
  • Improvise weapons or throw items at the active shooter.
  • Commit to your actions. Your life depends on it.
  • The first officers to arrive on scene will not stop to help the injured.
  • Expect rescue teams to follow initial officers.
  • These rescue teams will treat and remove injured.
  • Once you have reached a safe location, you will likely be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control and all witnesses have been identified and questioned.
  • Do not leave the area until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so.

More information

For more information on Active Shooters please watch the video below. This video is brought to you by FSUPD.