Director of UPD Harold Todd explains cautionary behaviors of an active shooter. Jade Norbert/The Lion's Roar 

The university is taking precautionary measures to protect against an active shooter before a shooting occurs.

An active shooter seminar was held on Friday, Sept. 29 for university staff and student workers. Director of University Police Department Harold Todd presented the seminar.

“I wanted our staff to be aware and prepared for a situation involving a shooter,” said Todd. “They should have a plan in mind.”

Todd hoped that the attendees learned to have a survival mindset including awareness, preparation and rehearsal.

“Not just our staff, but everyone should be aware and prepared for a situation involving a shooter,” said Todd. “It’s kind of common sense. I wanted for them to realize that they need to take direct responsibility for their own personal safety because sometimes the police cannot be there almost immediately.”

Todd discussed the course of action one should take in the event of a shooting. These techniques are applicable in any setting and can be useful in remaining calm.

“Be aware of your surroundings,” said Todd. “A person’s reaction to an active shooter is the same whatever the location.”

Planning your course of action is a process that involves strategic planning. It requires someone to ask themselves a series of questions to ensure the route to safety avoids any or few complications. Primarily, one should be thinking in “What if” scenarios. Then begin to assess how you will get out when safe, hide out if not, keep the intruder out of your safe space.

“No matter the location, develop the same mindset,” said Todd. “Be aware of how you will escape in an emergency. There are precautions other schools weren’t aware of in case of a catastrophe.”

The UPD is attempting to avoid common mistakes people often make in a hostile situation. The UPD website has an online video on active shooters and other precautionary safety measures for anyone who wishes to view them. Drills allow officers to become familiar with safety protocols and procedures.

“We do what it takes,” said Todd. “Events such as these could happen anywhere at any time, and they could happen to you.”

Todd referred to past, well-known active shooter cases such as the Virginia Tech and Columbine tragedies. Todd said it is not as easy to spot who could be a potential threat. He warns certain comments can be passed off as jokes or not taken as seriously. According to Todd, it is not easy to spot a potential threat and people should not ignore warning signs.

“Active shooters just don’t snap,” said Todd. “There are warning signs. Say something to a professor. We have anonymous online reporting for when people see that someone could be potentially threatening. If you see something, say something.”