Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for recognizing, responding to, and mitigating incidents of active shooter and workplace violence on campus.

Scope

This policy applies to all members of the Hofstra University community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors, across all campus locations and facilities. It governs response actions during incidents involving active shooters or other forms of workplace violence, including threats, intimidation, physical attacks, and property damage.

Policy

Active Shooter/Workplace Violence

Workplace violence includes, but is not limited to, intimidation, threats, physical attack, and property damage.

Always keep in mind that if you hear or see anything that would lead you to believe that a violent situation is about to occur, immediately call 911 – do not attempt to investigate. Time is of the essence and your safety is paramount. Notify the Department of Public Safety if you can do so safely. Although the likelihood of an incident of violence such as an active shooter on campus is small, studies show that it is important to prepare in advance. Federal guidelines emphasize that you are the key to your own personal safety. It is important to think about how you might react in each situation and how you will respond, including whether you run, hide, or fight, depending upon the circumstances and where you are located.

Here are some tips to help you “Run, Hide, or Fight”:

Run:

Find a way out!

• Have an escape route and plan in mind.

• Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.

• Leave your belongings behind.

• Help others escape if it doesn’t endanger your safety.

• Warn others not to enter an area where the active shooter may be located.

• Do not attempt to move wounded people.

• If you are in a hallway and can get safely to an exit, evacuate.

Hide:

Take Cover!

• If you are in a hallway and the shooter is near, get into a nearby room and secure it.

• If your door does not lock, move items such as desks, copiers, or other furniture in front of the door to block access.

• Turn out the lights.

• Get out of sight of the doors and windows.

• Find cover, stay low, and spread out from others.

• Remain silent and silence your phone and all electronic devices.

Fight:

Protect Yourself!

As a LAST resort, and only when you are in imminent danger, be prepared to attack the shooter. Attacking the shooter is very dangerous but may be less dangerous than doing nothing in some cases.

• Act as aggressively as possible.

• Assess your environment for any items that you may use to protect yourself or to use against the shooter. Consider items such as fire extinguishers, backpacks, chairs, etc., that can be thrown at the shooter.

Working with the police:

When officers arrive, understand that their priority is to stop the shooter. They may not respond to injured people immediately. Additional teams will respond to render aid to the injured when it is safe to do so. The police may not be in uniform. Always keep your hands visible to the police, remain calm, and follow officers’ instructions.

The above safety tips and guidelines are not all inclusive, but if understood, these tips can increase your chances of surviving an active shooter.

“Surviving an Active Shooter in a Healthcare Setting” should be viewed by individuals visiting and working in hospitals.

Related Policies and References

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