The University has developed this guidance to provide the community information on the topic of hostile intruder(s). A hostile intruder may be described as an ‘active shooter’ by law enforcement when a firearm is involved. In the event that a hostile intruder / active shooter threatens the personal safety of members of the Rider University community, the following guidance should be followed.
This guidance cannot cover every possible situation that might occur. Nevertheless, it should be used as a training tool that can reduce the number of injuries or death if put into action as soon as a situation develops. While an ‘active shooter’ is one type of Hostile Intruder, other scenarios should be considered and planned for.
Time is a critical factor in the management of this type of situation. A Hostile Intruder situation may require a combination of action depending on the circumstances. Most other emergencies require either building evacuation or shelter in place.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security along with many other law enforcement agencies recommends the RUN… HIDE… FIGHT… tactic in response to a situation where an ‘active shooter’ is present and intending to cause harm.
RUN… HIDE… FIGHT…
Immediately after an incident:
- Remain in place until you receive an “all clear” via Rider Alert, email, or other official university communication.
- Wait for local law enforcement officers or Public Safety to assist you out of the building, if inside.
- When law enforcement arrives, students and employees must display empty hands with open palms.
Important notes:
Understand that gunfire may sound artificial. Assume that any popping sound could be gunfire.
If there are two or more persons in the same place when a violent incident begins, you should spread out in the room to avoid offering the aggressor an easy target.
Be mindful that violent attacks can involve any type of weapon, not just a gun. Knives, blunt objects, physical force or explosives can be just as deadly as a gun. The suggested actions provided here are applicable in any violent encounter.
Plan ahead: Visualize possible escape routes, including physically accessible routes for students and staff with disabilities and others with limited mobility.
Informational Training
Rider University Department of Public Safety upon request, will provide training on how to respond and react in the event of an Hostile Intruder/Active Shooter incident. This presentation is intended to provide the Rider University campus community the necessary information to prepare for and survive a potential active shooter situation.
Rider University Department of Public Safety encourages anyone leading a department or team to contact Commander of Emergency Management & Preparedness, David Burns, at dburns@rider.edu, or Interim Director of Public Safety, Matthew Babcock, at mbabcock@rider.edu or 609-896-5049, to schedule a presentation.
Report suspicious individuals or activity to Public Safety immediately at (ext. 7777) or (609)-896-7777.
Watch the Run Hide Fight video on YouTube. Copyright ©2012 City of Houston.