Active attacker training

Despite the best attempts to stay vigilant, active shooter incidents regrettably occur at public locations throughout the United States with increasing frequency. 

The Wayne State University Police Department responds quickly to on-campus emergencies, typically within 90 seconds. However, we all have a role to play in our personal and collective safety, and there are things that you can do during these life-threatening situations to improve your survival chances before police arrive.

The following resources provide an opportunity to learn actions that will help you remain safe in the event of an active attacker. If you are interested in signing up for active attacker training, please contact the Wayne State University Police Department directly to set up a training session. 

Lt. Rana Eljaafari
rana.eljaafari@wayne.edu
313-577-6064

Lt. Robert Hack
rhack@wayne.edu
313-577-6063

 

Active attacker safety tips

Run! Hide! Fight!

Staying safe from active attackers

An active attacker situation can occur without warning, and each one is different. While these incidents are rare, it is still important to be prepared. Three simple actions can be your greatest tool to surviving an attack: Run! Hide! Fight!

Run

Evacuate the area as quickly as possible. Leave your belongings behind. Be aware of all possible exits doors, windows and stairways and determine the fastest, safest way to leave the area. When you are safe, call the WSUPD emergency number at 313-577-2222.

Hide

Sometimes, escaping the scene isn't possible. When that's the case, find as safe a setting as you can and take cover in an area outside of the attacker's view. Lock or secure doors. Turn off the lights and silence your phone. Remain calm and keep quiet until law enforcement arrives.

Fight

When you can't run or hide, you're left with one option: Fight. Find anything around you heavy enough to use as a weapon, such as a phone, lamp, fire extinguisher, chair or scissors. Use surprise to your advantage. Yell, scream and try to incapacitate the attacker. Remember: If you have to fight, it's only until police arrive and take over.

Once help arrives

Remain calm and follow police officers' instructions. Officers won't always know who the attacker is, so, if told to do so, raise your hands and don't make any quick movements. Remember: Law enforcement is there to eliminate the attacker, not to evacuate people or tend to those wounded. Let them do their jobs.

Be alert

Staying alert is key to reducing the threat of an emergency. All members of the Wayne State community are automatically signed up to receive emergency text and email alerts. You'll receive notifications the instant Wayne State's Crisis Team alerts the university about any potential threat. It's also a good idea to program the WSUPD's emergency number 313-577-2222 into your phone so you don't have to search for it in the middle of a crisis. You can also download the WSU mobile site, which offers an emergency one-touch call feature to reach the police department. 

If you see something, say something 

Many active shooters displayed suspicious behavior in the days, weeks and months preceding an incident. If you observe suspicious behavior while on campus or have concerns about an individual, contact 313-577-2222 to file a report.