Active Shooter

How to respond to an Active Shooter Situation

An active shooter (person or persons causing great harm to as many people as possible by any means) is a frightening experience causing panic and disorientation throughout the event. Knowing what to do in advance increases your chances of survival and minimizes the horrific and all too often deadly outcome of an active shooter event!

In concert with our community outreach efforts and active shooter presentations, the University of Minnesota Police Department wants to ensure the University community has the tools to overcome an active shooter.

These three words -- RUN, HIDE, FIGHT -- may save your life or the lives of others.

Have an escape route and plan in mind
Leave your belongings behind
Keep your hands visible
Run to a place of refuge, well beyond the norm

If running is not possible, hide
Lock and barricade doors; shut off lights
Remain silent, yet vigilant
Avoid huddling together

Fighting is a last resort, use only when your life is in imminent danger
Use improvised weapons, i.e. chair, fire extinguisher
Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter
There is strength in numbers; work together against the active shooter

Calling 911

Call ONLY if safe and with information about the active shooter

Clarify you are on the University of Minnesota campus and where you are

Give the location of the active shooter(s)

Provide physical description of active shooter(s)

Describe type of weapons held by the active shooter(s)

Notify the dispatcher of victims and their location

How to React When Law Enforcement Arrives

Remain calm; follow officers’ instructions

Keep your hands up and out in front of you, assuring your hand are empty

Keep hands visible at all times

Avoid making quick movements towards officers such as attempting to hold on to them for safety

Avoid pointing, screaming and/or yelling

Move quickly towards the nearest exit or where directed to by police

Do not stop to ask officers for help or directions when evacuating

Once In A Safe Place

Emergency responders need to account for everyone! Once you are in a safe place, DO NOT LEAVE. As the event unfolds and is better understood, law enforcement will provide additional instructions as to where you should be or when you will be able to leave. Please be patient with us. Your safety is our most important concern!

Online Active Threat Training

The University of Minnesota Police Department and Department of Public Safety has created this online active threat training course. The course is designed to share resources and to provide an overview training of how to respond to an active threat situation on campus.

Note: You must have a UM email address to enroll

Active Threat Online Training

Video: Run. Hide. Fight. Surviving an Active Shooter Event.

Please be aware the video contains simulated violence and sounds of gunfire.

Request an Active Shooter Presentation

The police department offers presentations and information on responding to an active shooter. To set up a presentation, please fill out a Community Outreach Officer form and indicate you would like an active shooter presentation.