Active Shooter
A page within University Police Department
What to Do During an Active Shooter Situation
An active shooter is someone actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined, populated area. While the chances of such an event occurring at UW-La Crosse are extremely low, it’s important to be prepared.
Below is guidance on how to respond during an active shooter event and what to expect when law enforcement arrives:
Immediate Emergency Actions:
Run: If you can safely escape, do so immediately. At the first sign of danger, move quickly and quietly away from the threat. Do not stop for personal belongings. Warn others and help keep people away from the area once you're safe.
Hide: If escape isn’t possible, find a secure location. Lock or barricade yourself inside a room. If no room is available, hide behind a large, solid object that blocks you from view. If safe, call 911 and share the shooter's last known location. Leave the line open, even if you can't speak.
Fight: As a last resort, and only when your life is in immediate danger, be prepared to defend yourself. Use any available objects as improvised weapons. Acting as a group increases your chances of stopping the attacker. If you choose to fight, commit fully.
Stop the Bleed: Once it is safe to do so, provide first aid to yourself or others who may be injured. Use Stop the Bleed techniques to control severe bleeding—apply direct pressure, pack wounds, or use a tourniquet if trained and available. These actions can save lives before emergency responders arrive.
The UW-La Crosse Police Department provides training sessions on Run Hide Fight and Stop the Bleed techniques.
Law Enforcement Response
REMEMBER: The primary objective of law enforcement is to locate and stop the threat as quickly as possible.
When Law Enforcement Arrives:
- Stay calm and avoid sudden movements.
Do not run toward officers or make any abrupt gestures. - Keep your hands visible and empty.
Do not hold anything that could be mistaken for a weapon, including cell phones. - Avoid shouting, pointing, or waving your arms.
Officers may not know who the suspect is and may initially treat everyone as a potential threat. - Follow all instructions given by officers.
Remain composed and comply with their directions immediately. - Be aware:
The first officers on the scene will focus solely on stopping the aggressor. They will not stop to assist injured individuals until the threat has been neutralized. - Once the scene is secure, law enforcement will establish safe evacuation routes and begin assisting victims and bystanders.
Information to Provide to Law Enforcement or 911 Dispatchers:
- Name and address of the building or location
- Exact location of the aggressor(s)
- Number of aggressor(s), if known
- Physical description(s): height, weight, clothing, gender, race, etc.
- Description of weapons (e.g., handgun, rifle, shotgun, explosives, knife)
- Number of victims or potential victims at the location