Most of us probably know the basic do’s and don’ts for crisis situations such as severe weather or a building fire. In both cases, the goal is safety and how to stay out of harm’s way.
But what about an active attacker event? Are we prepared to deal with an aggressor at the workplace or another public area who is trying to harm us?
The Wayne State University Police Department (WSUPD) offers a training program to students, faculty, staff and community members that addresses what to do in an active attacker event. “Emergency Preparedness — Active Attackers” provides an opportunity to learn actions that will help you remain safe should the unthinkable occur.
“The active attacker program runs a little over two hours and covers important topics and issues,” said WSUPD Lt. Dave Scott. “Keep in mind that an active shooter event usually lasts a matter of minutes — two to four minutes, and it’s over — which leaves very little time for victims to react. That’s why preparation is critical to safety and, in some cases, survival.”
The training program — which is offered on campus at various locations, dates and times — includes information such as tips for reacting in sniper incidents and motor vehicle attacks, emergency preparedness videos, and question-and-answer sessions with highly trained WSUPD officers. The training also covers an often overlooked but critically important topic — what to do in those first chaotic minutes after law enforcement arrives at the scene.
Engagement with the audience also is a characteristic throughout the presentation. At one point, the lead training officer asks: “If you heard screams and gunfire coming from outside this room right now, what would you do? You now have five seconds to prepare and execute a plan that will hopefully save your life.”
Wayne State Chief of Police Anthony Holt believes that the active attacker training program is an important element of community policing. “As a police department, we always look for tools that will benefit our students, faculty and staff, particularly in the area of safety,” Holt said. “To this end, all of our officers regularly receive special training dealing with active attacker situations, such as the active shooter simulations that we run on campus as well as other scenarios. I am hopeful that members of our university community will seriously consider signing up for one of the active attacker programs.”
Another tool has also been added to the attacker training program with the debut of the "RUN! HIDE! FIGHT! - Active Attacker Training" video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qeohOCMUTo . Narrated by WSUPD Sgt. Gary Voight, the seven-minute video focuses on preparation and the key words: Run! Hide! Fight!
Safety tips and further information about active attacker safety is available at police.wayne.edu/active-attacker.
For more information about the active attackers “Emergency Preparedness – Active Attackers” training program and to sign up for a session, visit police.wayne.edu/emergency-preparedness.