Active Shooter Response

Since the recent tragic events at Virginia Tech, many people have asked what they should do if caught in an “active shooter” type incident on campus.  These kinds of situations are always unpredictable but there are things that should be immediately done to protect oneself.

If it is possible to do so safely, exit the building immediately when you become aware of an incident, moving away from the immediate path of danger, and take the following steps:

Notify anyone you may encounter to exit the building immediately.

1. Evacuate to a safe area away from the danger, and take protective cover. Stay there until emergency responders arrive.
2. Call 911 and the Rider University Public Safety Department at (609) 896-7777, providing each dispatcher with the following information:
   1. Your name
   2. Location of the incident (be as specific as possible)
   3. Number of shooters (if known)
   4. Identification or description of shooter(s)
   5. Number of persons who may be involved
   6. Your exact location
   7. Injuries to anyone, if known
3. Individuals not immediately impacted by the situation are to take protective cover, staying away from windows and doors until notified otherwise.
    

If you are directly involved in an incident and exiting your residence hall is not possible, the following actions are recommended:

If you are not in your room, then go to the nearest room or office.

1. Close and lock the door.
2. Turn off the lights.
3. Seek protective cover.  Stay away from doors and windows.
4. Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room.
5. Do not answer the door.
6. Call  911 and the Rider University Public Safety Department at 609-896-7777 if it is safe to do so, providing each dispatcher with the following information:
   1. Your name
   2. Your location (be as specific as possible)
   3. Number of shooters (if known)
   4. Identification or description of shooter
   5. Number of persons who may be involved
   6. Injuries if known
7. Wait for police to assist you out of the building.
    

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

Go to the nearest room or office.

1. Close the door.  If the door has an interior lock, please lock.
2. Turn off the lights.
3. Seek protective cover.  Stay away from doors and windows.
4. Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room.
5. Do not answer the door.
6. Call  911 and the Rider  University Public Safety Department at 609-896-7777 if it is safe to do so, providing each dispatcher with the following information:
   1. Your name
   2. Your location (be as specific as possible)
   3. Number of shooters (if known)
   4. Identification or description of shooter
   5. Number of persons who may be involved
   6. Injuries if known
7. Wait for police to assist you out of the building.
    

The Lawrence Township, Princeton Borough, and Princeton Township Police Departments are trained and equipped to respond to an emergency incident of this nature. During the initial phase of the incident, the police will evaluate the situation to determine the best course of action for the safety of the Rider community. Once the police respond, they will be responsible for all tactical operations.  Rider University will provide available service assistance.

Follow up assistance is encouraged from available on campus resources (i.e. Student Health, Counseling, Residence Life, Public Safety, Dean of Students, Human Resources).