Video Offers Tips in Case of Active Shooter

To better prepare students and employees for the potential of violence on campus, Duke administrators and law enforcement officials have created a video tutorial addressing ways to best respond if confronted with an active shooter situation on campus.

The video, with tips from directors of the Center for Personal Protection and Safety, outlines strategies Duke community members can take in life-threatening situations.

“Since 2013, there have been at least 168 school shootings in America - an average of nearly one a week,” said Kyle Cavanaugh, vice president for administration. “While our goal is to identify warning signs and prevent potential violence before it happens, we must also be prepared for the worst.”

Best practices to stay safe during active shooter situations are outlined in the video and include three key options:

• Get Out: Have an escape route and plan in mind. Leave your belongings behind. Keep your hands visible.
• Hide Out: Hide in an area out of the active shooter’s view. Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors.
• Take Out: As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger. Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter. Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter.

In addition to the training video to provide broad guidance to members of the Duke community, Duke Police will also continue to offer workshops to departments and organizations to promote best practices and encourage individuals to plan ahead to consider their options.

"Our goal is to prevent potential violence before it happens," Cavanaugh said. "That's why it is so important for members of our community to report concerning or suspicious behavior to the appropriate authorities."

Duke community members can report suspicious or concerning behavior to a manager or resident advisor, Human Resources or DukeReach, Personal Assistance Service or Duke Police.