An active threat refers to any incident which creates an immediate threat or presents an imminent danger to the campus community, such as a shooter or hostage situation. Individuals may be armed with firearms, knives, or other weapons. Other individuals may verbally threaten violence or be experiencing a mental health crisis. The term "active threat" is used to describe the threat as immediate and ongoing - these situations evolve very rapidly and may require immediate action on your part. Taking the time now to review these guidelines increases your ability to respond in an emergency.
Active Threat Training
The UMass Police Department offers an Active Threat training - this builds from the training video below and is a great opportunity to discuss your response options with our team. For more information about bringing this training to your department, student organization, or residence hall, please visit the UMPD Active Threat Program.
UMass Amherst Active Threat Training Video
Note: this video below contains violent content to educate and prepare someone to deal with an active threat. Viewer discretion is advised.
Run, if a safe path is available
- Try to stay calm and determine the location of the threat. If a safe exit does exist, take it as quickly as possible.
- Evacuate, even if other insist on staying.
- Leave your belongings.
- Run until you are well cleared from the location of the threat.
- Find a safe location and call 911 or UMPD (413-545-3111) and tell them where you are.
Hide, if you cannot get out safely
- Take shelter in the nearest room - office, classroom, closet or other area that can be secured.
- Barricade the door using tables, bookshelves, or other heavy objects.
- Once in a secure location, do not open the door for anyone.
- Be prepared to move and gather items to use for self-defense.
- Call 911 or UMPD (413-545-3111) and tell them where you are and what is happening.
- Speak quietly and set your phone to silent and turn off the vibration.
Fight, as a last resort
- Be physically aggressive, use items around you as weapons.
- Attack as a group, swarming the threat.
- Use any and all means necessary to incapacitate the threat.
- Remove the weapon from the threat's reach and safely hide it. Avoid holding on to the weapon because law enforcement may perceive you to be a threat.