CAMPUS VIOLENCE

Description
Campus Violence may properly describe threats or acts committed by students; vendors; visitors; spouses/friends of students, staff, and faculty; and unrelated criminals. Also included in this definition are actual or implied verbal and non-verbal threats, harassment, intimidation, and disruptive behavior that may lead to physical harm or property damage.

Responding to Non-Threatening Disruptive Behavior
While responding to non-threatening behavior may appear to be outside the scope of this emergency plan, it is actually not, since dealing properly with non-threatening behavior may prevent that behavior from escalating to threatening or violent behavior. The following steps should be taken in response to non-threatening disruptive behavior;

1. Attempt to defuse the situation by responding quietly and calmly.
2. Avoid taking the individual’s behavior personally.
3. Demonstrate concern by listening closely and asking questions.
4. Communicate clearly and summarize what you heard the individual say.
5. Focus on the areas that you and the individual agree upon and try to resolve the individual’s concern.
6. Notify others (supervisors, Employee Relations, Public Safety) as appropriate, if only to document the incident.

If the disruptive behavior continues, assess whether or not the individual appears to be dangerous.  If you believe that the individual is upset but not dangerous, set limits and seek assistance from others as necessary. Examples of setting limits include instructing the individual to lower his/her voice; advising patience so you may help; warning that disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and my result in punitive action; and asking the individual to leave your office/area. If the individual refuses to leave, tell him/her that you will notify Public Safety.

Responding to Threatening Behavior

1. Follow the guidelines in above.
2. Remain in a public area and avoid isolation.
3. Do not touch or attempt to remove the individual from the area.
4. Alert others for assistance by using a prearranged distress signal or device. In turn, they should notify Public Safety immediately of as many details as possible of the ongoing incident.
5. Avoid mentioning discipline or calling Public Safety if you believe the individual will respond violently.
6. Find a way to excuse yourself from the area and get help. For example, you might say, “I need to go check your files.”

Responding to Emergencies: Active Shooter and Other Violent Incidents
Shootings and other violent acts are unpredictable, and your immediate response depends on the situation you face. The following guidelines are based on the best practices established by law enforcement experts. A. 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:

1. Notify anyone you may encounter to exit the building immediately.
2. Evacuate to a safe area away from danger and take protective cover. Stay there until assistance arrives.
3. Call Public Safety at 770 426-2911 and provide the dispatcher with the following information:
   1. Your name
   2. Location of the incident (be as specific as possible)
   3. Number of shooters/assailants, if known
   4. Identification or description of shooter(s)/assailant(s) (race, gender, clothing description, physical features, type of weapon, etc.)
   5. Your exact location
   6. Injuries to anyone, if known

B. If you are directly involved in an incident and exiting the building is not possible, take the following actions:
1. Go to the nearest room or office.
2. Close and lock the door. Barricade door if possible.
3. Turn off lights, radios and computer monitors.
4. Close blinds and block windows.
5. Seek protective cover (behind concrete walls, filing cabinets, thick desks, etc.),
    away from windows and doors.
6. Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room. Silence cell phones.
7. Do not answer the door.
8. Notify Public Safety if it is safe to do so, providing the dispatcher with the
    following information:
a. Your name
b. Your location
c.  Number of shooters/assailants, if known
d. Identification or description of shooter(s)/assailant(s) (race, gender,                  clothing description, physical features, type of weapon, etc.)
e. Injuries to anyone, if known
9. If you are unable to call Public Safety and you have a silent alarm in your area,
    activate the alarm.
10. Wait for Public Safety or local police to assist you out of the building.

Local law enforcement agencies are trained and equipped to respond to an emergency incident of  this nature. During the initial phase of the incident, Life University Public Safety Officers will respond and evaluate the situation to determine the best course of action for safety of the Life  community. Once the local police respond to campus, they will be responsible for all tactical operations.