WASHU PD takes a proactive stance on campus safety, specifically regarding the response to active threat incidents. By definition, these are fast-moving situations where an individual is actively attempting to cause harm in a confined area. Because there is often no pattern to these events, personal preparedness is our community’s strongest defense. We encourage all members of the university to familiarize themselves with these response protocols to ensure they can act immediately if a threat arises.
How to prepare before it happens
- Take time to know your surroundings. For areas you frequent, consider multiple escape routes and places to hide in case of an incident.
- Attend an Active Shooter Response training course. To request training for your department or group, contact WashU Police (Danforth, West and North campuses) at 314-935-5555 or Protective Services (Medical School) at 314-362-4357
- If you see something, say something. Call WashU Police (Danforth, West and North campuses) at 314-935-5555 or Protective Services (Medical School) at 314-362-4357 to report suspicious activity.
What to do when it happens
Every active shooter/person with a weapon incident is different. You will need to quickly assess the situation and select the best course of action. If you become aware of an active shooter, you have three options: RUN, HIDE, or FIGHT.
RUN
If you become aware of someone in your building who has a firearm and is shooting or threatening to shoot:
- Evacuate the building immediately if you can do so without putting yourself at risk. Leave your belongings behind.
- Notify anyone along the way to get out.
- Take shelter in another building or leave campus if you can safely do so.
- Call the emergency contact number for your location:
- Danforth Campus: 314-935-5555
- School of Medicine: 314-362-4357
- North/West/South Campus & Tyson Research: 911 then 314-935-5555
HIDE
If you are unable to leave the building:
- Lock yourself inside a room and move furniture in front of the door.
- Cover the windows and turn off any lights.
- Silence your mobile device(s).
- Do not answer the door for anyone.
- Ignore any fire alarms, as they may be a trick to draw people into the open.
- Call the emergency contact number for your location:
- Danforth Campus: 314-935-5555
- School of Medicine: 314-362-4357
- North/West/South Campus & Tyson Research: 911 then 314-935-5555
FIGHT
As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, try to disrupt or take down the shooter:
- Act as aggressively as possible
- Throw items at the shooter
- Yell
- Look for items that could be used as a weapon
- Stay committed to your actions
What to do right after it happens
- Remain in your safe location until instructed otherwise by law enforcement officials.
- Provide all requested information to law enforcement officials.