How to respond when an active killer is in your vicinity
RUN
- Have an escape route in mind and evacuate if a safe route is available.
- Encourage others to leave with you, but don't let the indecision of others slow down your own effort to escape.
- Once you're out of the line of fire, try to prevent others from walking into the danger zone. Call Pitt Police at 412-624-2121 or 911 when you're safe.
HIDE
- If you cannot run, find a place to hide that's out of view.
- Block the entry, lock the door, and stay behind solid objects.
- Turn off lights and computers; silence cell phones.
FIGHT
- As a last resort and only if your life is in danger, fight.
- Work with others or alone, act with aggression, and use improvised weapons.
View an additional Active Killer Response video from 2022 »
Download the general guidelines for responding to an active killer situation directed towards University of Pittsburgh students, staff and faculty.
Information you should provide to law enforcement or dispatcher:
- Location of the victim(s) and the active killer
- Number of actors, if more than one
- Physical description of the actor(s)
- Number and type of weapons held by the actor(s)
- Number of potential victims at the location
When Law Enforcement arrives on the scene:
- Remain calm and follow officers’ instructions
- Immediately raise hands, spread fingers, and continue to keep your hands visible
- Avoid making quick movements towards officers such as attempting to hold on to them for safety
- Avoid pointing, screaming and/or yelling
Additional Info & Resources
- What is an Emergency Notification System (ENS) message?
Pitt's Emergency Notification System (ENS) provides University community members with critical information in the event of an emergency using voice calls, text messaging, and emails. All University members are automatically enrolled to receive email ENS messages, but we strongly encourage everyone to sign up for additional phone and text messages. Updates about emergencies affecting campus can be found at safety.pitt.edu/alerts.
- What do I do during a lockdown? How do I shelter in place?
A lockdown is a response to an immediate physical threat on campus. Learn how to stay safe during a lockdown and how to shelter in place.
- How can my department receive Civilian Response Training for Active Killer Incidents?
If your department or organization would like an in-person training, please see the Active Killer Training Class Information (PDF) or contact Sgt. Paul Burgh at pab32@pitt.edu.
