{"id":38,"date":"2026-03-20T13:02:24","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T17:02:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/university-police\/?page_id=38"},"modified":"2026-06-23T15:01:25","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T19:01:25","slug":"run-hide-fight-responding-to-an-active-shooter","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/university-police\/our-services\/run-hide-fight-responding-to-an-active-shooter\/","title":{"rendered":"ALICE: Responding to an Active Shooter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns sidebar is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:45rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-to-do-during-an-active-shooter-emergency-outlining-the-alice-steps\">What to do during an active shooter emergency, outlining the \u201cALICE\u201d steps.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-an-active-shooter\">What is an Active Shooter?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the FBI, an&nbsp;active shooter&nbsp;is defined as one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area. This definition typically refers to incidents in public spaces where the shooter uses firearms, and the primary objective is to cause harm rather than other criminal motives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Such situations are fast-moving and unpredictable, often requiring immediate police intervention to stop the threat. However, because these events usually end within 10\u201315 minutes\u2014often before law enforcement arrives\u2014individuals must be ready to respond on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you hear gunshots on campus or see an armed person threatening or attacking others, act quickly. Assess the situation and deploy the ALICE method which offers you the best chance of survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"437\" height=\"508\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/university-police\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/128\/ALICE-picture.jpg\" alt=\"ALICE\" class=\"wp-image-1585\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/university-police\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/128\/ALICE-website.pptx\">Download ALICE PowerPoint<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><nav class=\"is-vertical wp-block-navigation is-content-justification-stretch is-layout-flex wp-container-core-navigation-is-layout-2c14e10a wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"Our Services submenu\"><ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container  is-vertical wp-block-navigation\"><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/university-police\/our-services\/safety-tips\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Safety tips<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/university-police\/our-services\/safety-workshops\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Safety workshops<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/university-police\/our-services\/run-hide-fight-responding-to-an-active-shooter\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Responding to an active shooter<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-group boxout has-light-yellow-background-color has-background is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-12dd3699 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-small-font-size\" id=\"h-after-the-incident\">After the incident<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wait for law enforcement to escort you from the building if you are inside.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When officers arrive, show your empty hands with open palms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-group boxout has-light-yellow-background-color has-background is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-12dd3699 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-small-font-size\" id=\"h-additional-reminders\">Additional reminders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gunshots may sound like firecrackers or other noises\u2014treat any suspicious popping as gunfire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If in a group, spread out to avoid making yourself an easy target.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remember: attackers may use weapons other than firearms (e.g., knives, blunt objects, explosives). These same safety strategies apply in all violent situations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think ahead about possible escape routes, including accessible paths for people with disabilities or limited mobility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-gray-100-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-52009084 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns equal-height is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-top-color:var(--wp--preset--color--deep-red);border-top-width:3px\">\n<aside class=\"wp-block-group boxout has-white-background-color has-background is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-12dd3699 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-deep-red-color has-text-color has-link-color has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-58d757acee1100ae7473edb5ce702a24\" id=\"h-a\">A<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-alert\">ALERT<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This initial step focuses on recognizing signs of danger and notifying others that a threat exists to trigger immediate, proactive, and informed responses to an intruder.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Awareness:&nbsp;Being aware of your surroundings and recognizing danger.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Action:&nbsp;Recognizing and accepting the alert immediately.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communication:&nbsp;Via Mobile alerts and announcements as well as you getting the word out to others.<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prioritize your safety when calling  UP at 508-793-7575 or 911;&nbsp;do not place yourself in danger to make the call. Get to a safe location first.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-top-color:var(--wp--preset--color--deep-red);border-top-width:3px\">\n<aside class=\"wp-block-group boxout has-white-background-color has-background is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-12dd3699 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-deep-red-color has-text-color has-link-color has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-3c0ad2ff9a81a9a71876b845a4255719\" id=\"h-l\">L<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lockdown\">LOCKDOWN<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The goal is to make it as difficult as possible for an intruder to access or find people inside. Lockdown also helps law enforcement control the situation by containing people in one place.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When you do not have time and\/or opportunity to evacuate you will need to lockdown<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stay inside and away from windows-remain quiet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cover windows&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lock the door if able<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turn off lights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using desks, chairs, tables, or anything else around you that allows you to barricade the door.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-top-color:var(--wp--preset--color--deep-red);border-top-width:3px\">\n<aside class=\"wp-block-group boxout has-white-background-color has-background is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-12dd3699 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-deep-red-color has-text-color has-link-color has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-e7b7c9c80d28e7ae0f1e83ea35bbdfa6\" id=\"h-i\">I<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-inform\">INFORM<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Once in a safe location, call UP at 508-793-7575 or 911. Communicate real-time information about the violent intruder\u2019s location. Use clear and direct language via any communication means possible. Do not use code words or terms. Relay as much information as you can so those involved are empowered to act as the situation requires. <strong>Provide following information:<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where is the intruder going?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What is the intruder wearing?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you see a weapon, what is it? Pistol or rifle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-stretch is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-top-color:var(--wp--preset--color--deep-red);border-top-width:3px\">\n<aside class=\"wp-block-group boxout has-white-background-color has-background is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-12dd3699 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-deep-red-color has-text-color has-link-color has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-4656f65d079ab4aeded4ad65d463622a\" id=\"h-c\">C<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-counter\">COUNTER<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The strategy of last resort designed to distract, disrupt, and confuse an armed intruder to reduce their ability to shoot accurately.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#8220;Counter&#8221; is not fighting. It focuses on distraction and control techniques that leverage strength in numbers and the element of surprise.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Distraction<\/strong>: Throwing objects at their face and body meant to disrupt the intruder&#8217;s focus and mental and physical actions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Control (Swarm) Techniques:<\/strong>&nbsp;Using numbers and body weight to overwhelm an intruder. This may involve grabbing limbs, pinning the attacker to the ground, and securing the weapon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<aside class=\"wp-block-group boxout has-white-background-color has-background is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-12dd3699 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-top-color:var(--wp--preset--color--deep-red);border-top-width:3px\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-deep-red-color has-text-color has-link-color has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-9526c3cb455a19e0dfd5a3644a68c8c9\" id=\"h-e\">E<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-evacuate\">EVACUATE<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The goal of evacuation is to reduce the number of potential targets for an intruder and decrease the chance of being trapped.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quickly and quietly create as much distance between you and the source of danger when it is safe to do so. This involves exiting through the nearest and safest exit point, staying away until the area has been determined safe.<strong> &nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What to do during an active shooter emergency, outlining the \u201cALICE\u201d steps. What is an Active Shooter? According to the FBI, an&nbsp;active shooter&nbsp;is defined as one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area. This definition typically refers to incidents in public spaces where the shooter uses [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"parent":29,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-38","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.9 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>ALICE: Responding to an Active Shooter | University Police | Clark University<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/university-police\/our-services\/run-hide-fight-responding-to-an-active-shooter\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"ALICE: Responding to an Active Shooter\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What to do during an active shooter emergency, outlining the \u201cALICE\u201d steps. What is an Active Shooter? According to the FBI, an&nbsp;active shooter&nbsp;is defined as one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area. 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