The Shippensburg University Police Department, SUPD, has adopted the Run. Hide, Fight program to improve and increase student safety on campus.
While violent situations are unpredictable, this plan can make it easier to know how to react to a violent and surprising event.
“It’s designed for an active attack or an active shooter scenario. It is sponsored by the FBI, it’s the model that a lot of agencies are using as well,” Michael J. Lee, the director of public safety on campus, said.
Past campus emergencies led to confusion and as things change, new systems may be needed, Lee said. The program was implemented as a solution to these problems.
The program itself is easy to remember and it can be used in any life-threatening situation. In the Run, Hide, Fight program, there are three different ways to handle a violent situation.
The first method is Run. Students are instructed to make sure the area they are in is safe to leave and run away from the situation, leaving their belongings behind. When students have reached a safe area, the program instructs they should call the police.
The second method is Hide. If students are unable to run from the present danger, they should find a place out of the attacker’s sight that is quiet. Here they should lock doors and shut off lights and remain separate from each other as not to attract attention.
The third and final method is Fight. Fighting the attacker is to be used as a last resort, when one’s life is in imminent danger. Students should use improvised weapons like fire extinguishers, books or chairs, to incapacitate the attacker. When doing this, one is encouraged to commit to their actions and work with others.
Though the sequence of Run, Hide, Fight may seem like a list to be completed in order, sometimes one method may be the best or only solution, Lee said. He wants students to know the program well.
“Students should know everything in regard to this policy. They also need to know that the first thing you may have to do is fight. It’s not in order,” Lee said.
Lee encouraged students to commit the program to heart, so they are prepared for violent situations on campus.
“We’d like for everyone to learn each aspect. When you’re entering different buildings, keep in mind different exit strategies, or places to hide. Always have a plan when you go into any building should something occur,” Lee said.
For more information on the new Run, Hide, Fight program, contact SUPD at (717)-477-1444.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.