Active Shooter

Brief Guide on How To Respond in an Active Shooter Situation

Profile

Of an active shooter

An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area, typically through the use of firearms.

Characteristics

Of an active shooter situation

Victims are selected at random
The event is unpredictable and evolves quickly
Law enforcement is usually required to end an active shooter situation

Active Shooter

How To Respond

When an Active Shooter is in your vicinity

1. Run

Have an escape route and plan in mind
Leave your belongings behind
Keep your hands visible

2. Hide

Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view
Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors
Silence your cell phone and/or pager

3. Fight

As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger
Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter

When Law Enforcement Arrives

Remain calm and follow instructions
Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets)
Raise hands and spread fingers
Keep hands visible at all times
Avoid quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety
Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling
Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating

Information you should provide to law enforcement

Location of the active shooter
Number of shooters
Physical description of shooters
Number and type of weapons held by shooters
Number of potential victims at the location

Coping

with an active shooter situation

Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers
Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit
If you are in an office, stay there and secure the door
Attempt to take the active shooter down as a last resort

Contact your building management or human resources department for more information and training on active shooter response in your workplace

Active Shooter

Profile

Of an active shooter

Characteristics

Of an active shooter situation

Active Shooter

How To Respond

When an Active Shooter is in your vicinity

1. Run

2. Hide

3. Fight

When Law Enforcement Arrives

Information you should provide to law enforcement

Coping

with an active shooter situation

AGENCY

quick links

mailing address

non emergency phone

St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office

quick links

address

mailing address

non emergency phone

A STATE AND INTERNATIONALLY ACCREDITED AGENCY

St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office