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Washington University in St. Louis

Shooter On Campus Procedures 

Several recent and very tragic shootings in public spaces have heightened the public's concern and awareness about what steps to take if ever confronted with a similar situation.  The Washington University Police Department and the Washington University School of Medicine Protective Services Department offer the following recommendations and ask that you share them with members of the campus community you are in contact with.

Active Shooter 

If you are involved in a situation where someone has entered the area and started shooting a firearm, or is threatening to detonate an explosive device, the following is a list of recommended actions:

1.        Exit the building immediately, if possible.  If it is not possible to exit the building, lock yourself in an office or room (see steps below).

2.        Notify anyone you may encounter to exit the building immediately.

3.        Report to the emergency assembly point for the building you are in.  This should be done only if it is reasonably safe to do so.  Otherwise, it may be better to leave campus.

4.        On the Danforth Campus, notify Washington University Police at 935-5555 or 9-1-1.

On the WU Medical School Campus, notify WUSM Protective Services at 362-HELP (362-4357) or 9-1-1.

On the North Campus, West Campus, Tyson Research Center or off-campus clinic areas, notify 9-1-1.

(Note, when calling from a university or other phone system, you may need to dial 9, before reaching an outside line to dial 9-1-1.)

5.        Give the Dispatcher the following information:

a.        Your name

b.       Location of the incident (be as specific as possible)

c.        Number of shooters (if known)

d.       Identification or physical description of shooter (if known)

e.        Number of persons who may be involved

f.         Your location

If you are directly involved and exiting the building is not possible, the following actions are recommended:

1.       Go to the nearest room or office.

2.       Close and lock the door.

3.       Cover the door windows.

4.       Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room.

5.       DO NOT answer the door.

6.       Notify Washington University Police at 935-5555 or 9-1-1.

On the WU Medical School Campus, notify WUSM Protective Services at 362-HELP (362-4357) or 9-1-1

On the North Campus, West Campus, Tyson Research Center or off-campus clinic areas, notify 9-1-1

(Note, when calling from a university or other phone system, you may need to dial 9, before reaching an outside line to dial 9-1-1.)

7.        Give the Dispatcher the following information:

a.       Your name

b.      Your location (be as specific as possible)

c.       Number of shooters (if known)

d.      Identification or physical description of shooter (if known)

e.       Number of persons who may be involved

8.        Wait for Washington University Police, Protective Services, or local authorities to assist you out of the building.