Lockdown / Active Shooter

It is an unfortunate reality that we must even consider the possibility of an active shooter or other threat of violence. However, preplanning for such an incident will be your best chance for surviving. How you respond will be dictated by the specific incident. Know your escape routes, know how you will respond, and be prepared to "flip the switch" from being a victim to protecting yourself.  

The guidelines below are based on the best available information. Law enforcement recommends you familiarize yourselves with each scenario and the options provided so you can make the best decisions for yourself in an active shooter situation.  

When there is an active shooter incident on campus...

...and you are currently in a safe location, such as a classroom or an office:

• Stay where you are and lockdown.

• Lock and/or barricade the door with anything you have available (desks, chairs, etc.)

• Cover any windows that may be in the doors, by closing blinds if available, or by using coats, paper, etc.

• Turn off lights if you can.

• Silence all cell phones but keep on to receive further instructions. Only use phone to communicate with emergency personnel.

• Call 911 if you can safely do so.

• Turn/keep computer on.

• Turn desk and wall phone speakers to high volume.

• Stay low to the ground, positioning yourself in the room where you are least visible from the door. Seek protective cover behind desks, chairs, etc.

• Do your best to remain as calm and quiet as possible. Minimize movement and make as little noise as possible.

• Look for alternate escape routes such as windows, or additional doors that may be located in the room you are in. 

• Once you have locked and barricaded the door, do NOT let anyone in!  Law enforcement officers will enter the room after the threat has been eliminated.

• Have a plan. You may have to take offensive actions if the shooter gains access to the room you are in.  Gather anything that could potentially be used as a weapon to defend yourself, such as a pair of scissors, pencil, pen, chair, or a fire extinguisher. 

When there is an active shooter incident on campus...

...and you are located in a common area, like the library or an open study area:

• If you are in the immediate area of the shooter, run to the nearest exit available, and keep running until you feel you are no longer threatened by the shooter. 

• Take protective cover and wait for law enforcement to arrive.  If you are approached by law enforcement, raise your hands above your head and follow their instructions.  Be aware that you may be asked to lay on the ground and handcuffed until the situation is under control and the threat has been eliminated.

• If you are NOT in the immediate area of the shooter, seek shelter immediately!  Run into an office or classroom, or possibly even a restroom or storage room.  If you are unable to gain access to a safe area within the building, you may have to evacuate the building, running until you feel you are safe. 

How to respond when Law enforcement arrives on scene

1. How you should react when law enforcement arrives:

   • Remain calm, and follow officers instructions
   • Avoid pointing, yelling, or screaming
   • Immediately raise hands and spread fingers
   • Keep hands visible at all times
   • Avoid making quick movements towards officers such as attempting to hold them for safety
   • Do not stop to ask officers for help or directions when evacuating. Just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises.

2. Information you should provide to law enforcement or 911 operator:

   • Location of the victims and active shooter
   • Number of shooters, if possible
   • Physical description of shooter(s) (if known. Do not provide incorrect information based on conjecture)
   • Number and type of weapons, if known, being used by shooter(s)
   • Number of potential victims at your location

Clark College Security is unarmed and WILL NOT enter the area without the escort of police officers.  If it is safe to do so Security will assist with lockdowns, evacuations, (if the command is given) crowd control, and assist responding emergency agencies.

Recognize signs of potential violence

An active shooter may be a student, faculty member, staff, or someone who may have wandered onto campus.  Alert security immediately if you believe anyone exhibits any potential violent behavior. Indicators of potentially violent behavior may include one or more of the following:

• Unexplained increase in absenteeism, and/or vague verbal complaints, such as calling out an instructor, cursing at an instructor, or cursing at a fellow student or college employee
• Depression or withdrawal
• Increased sever mood swings, and noticeably unstable or emotional responses
• Increasingly talks of personal problems
• Increase in unsolicited comments about violence, firearms, and other dangerous weapons and violent crimes