This video is used with permission from the Department of Homeland Security. It was developed to provide guidance on how to respond to an “Active Aggressor” situation. The Southern Police Department encourages all community members to view this video to help mentally prepare for the unlikely, but alarming, possibility that they may someday need to “Run, Hide, Fight.”

Download the "Run, Hide, Fight" Information Sheet (PDF)
 

Run

• Have an escape route plan in mind.
• Leave your belongings.
• Keep your hands visible.

Hide

• Hide in an area out of the suspect's view.
• Block entry to your hiding place and lock all doors.

Fight

(As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger).

• Attempt to incapacitate the suspect.
• Act with physical aggression and throw items at the suspect.

Hostile Intruder observed outside a building:

• Run away from the threat as fast as you can.
• Do not run in a straight line.
• Keep objects or buildings between you and the threatening individual.
• If you can, get away from the area of immediate danger and warn others not to enter.
• If the hostile intruder is near you and causing great harm, hide if at all possible.

Dial 911 and report when safe to do so:

If not safe to speak, dial 911 and leave the line open so the police can listen to what is taking place. Remain calm, and if it is safe to speak, be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your location, name, and contact information
• The number of gunmen/hostile intruders, and their description, if possible
• The type of weapons involved (knife, handgun, long gun, etc.)
• The location of the gunmen/hostile intruders and their direction of movement
• The number of potential victims

When law enforcement arrives

Your attention to law enforcement officers is vital for survival, so it is important to remain calm and follow their instructions.

After putting down any handheld item such as bags, backpacks, jackets, etc., immediately raise your hands and spread your fingers. Keep your hands visible at all times and avoid making quick movements towards officers, grabbing onto them, pointing, screaming, or yelling at them.

DO NOT stop and ask officers for directions or help when evacuating, just proceed in the direction from which the officers are entering the scene.

Note:

• Arriving officers will not stop to help injured persons, as their response is to stop the active shooter, so be cognizant of this. Rescue teams comprised of additional officers and other emergency medical personnel will treat and remove any injured persons. They may call upon able-bodied individuals to assist them in removing the wounded from the premises.
• Once you have reached a safe location or an assembly point, you will likely be detained in that area by law enforcement until the situation is secure and all witnesses have been identified and questioned.
• DO NOT leave until released by law enforcement authorities.

These actions cannot cover every possible situation that might occur, but this guide could reduce the number of injuries or deaths if put into action as soon as a situation develops. Time is the most important factor in the optimal management of these types of situations.

Violence in the Workplace Prevention Policy

The State of Connecticut has adopted a statewide zero tolerance policy for workplace violence. The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) fully supports this policy and recognizes the right of its employees to work in a safe and secure environment that is characterized by respect and professionalism.

Prohibited Conduct

Except as may be required as a condition of employment:

• No employee shall bring into any state worksite any weapon or dangerous instrument as defined in this policy.
• No employee shall use, attempt to use, or threaten to use any such weapon or dangerous instrument in a state worksite.
• No employee shall cause or threaten to cause death or physical injury to any individual in a state worksite.

In addition, DAS prohibits:

Definitions

• "Weapon" means any firearm, including a BB gun, whether loaded or unloaded, any knife (excluding a small pen or pocket knife), including a switchblade or other knife having an automatic spring release device, a stiletto, any police baton or nightstick or any martial arts weapon or electronic defense weapon.
• "Dangerous instrument" means any instrument, article or substance that, under the circumstances, is capable of causing death or serious physical injury.

Confiscation of Weapons and Dangerous Instruments

Any weapon or dangerous instrument at the worksite will be confiscated, and there is no reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to such items in the workplace.

Reporting Procedure

• Emergency Situations: Any employee who believes that there is a serious threat to his/her safety or the safety of others that requires immediate attention should contact 911. The employee must also contact his/her immediate supervisor or the Human Resources Office at (860) 713-5182.
• Non-Emergency Situations: Any employee who feels subjected to or witnesses violent, threatening, harassing, or intimidating behavior in the workplace should immediately report the incident or statement to his/her supervisor or manager, the Human Resources Office, or the DAS Threat Assessment Team (860) 713-5655.
• Supervisors'/Managers' Responsibilities: Any manager or supervisor who receives a report of violent, threatening, harassing, or intimidating behavior shall immediately contact the Human Resources Office so that office many evaluate, investigate, and take appropriate action.

Investigation and Corrective Action

• DAS will promptly investigate all reports or alleged incidents of violent, threatening, harassing, or intimidating behavior.
• All employees are expected to cooperate fully in all such investigations.
• The employee suspected of violating this policy may be placed immediately on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.
• If the claims of violent, threatening, harassing, or intimidating conduct are substantiated, the employee will be dealt with through the appropriate disciplinary process, and may be subject to discipline up to and including dismissal from state service.
• Where the situation warrants, DAS will request that the appropriate law enforcement agencies become involved in the investigation of the matter, and DAS may seek prosecution of conduct that violates the law.

Enforcement of the Policy

This policy will be prominently posted for all DAS employees.