SDSU Police Launch New Active Shooter Response Safety Initiative
As part of the new initiative, university police are rolling out a comprehensive, SDSU-specific active shooter training video.
San Diego State University police department produced an SDSU-specific, 11-minute, comprehensive active shooter safety training video.
In line with the new initiative, the University Police Department (UPD) produced an SDSU-specific, 11-minute, comprehensive active shooter safety training video that takes viewers inside an active shooter scenario. The video instructs viewers on how to identify potential warning signs, opt in for SDSU alerts and report information to UPD.
Charged with developing a campus-wide educational outreach campaign, UPD produced the video in conjunction with an active shooter task force formed last spring. After assessing training material, the task force decided to adopt the City of Houston’s Run Hide Fight® method. This has been incorporated into the training video, in-person presentations, and resource webpage.
“We need to utilize a simple, easy-to-remember method,” UPD Chief Josh Mays said. “During emergencies, you have to think quickly, identify the best solution, and commit to the action.”
UPD also offers a one-hour, in-person active shooter safety presentation instructed by the university’s resource officer. Additionally, SDSU community members can request a crime prevention through environmental design assessment (C.P.T.E.D.). After assessing a campus facility or office space, the community resource officer can provide safety recommendations that may pertain to access control, lighting, landscape design, office space layout, and barriers.
As a regular practice, university police train with allied law enforcement agencies as well as emergency medical professionals to prepare for active shooter incidents. Each year, local, state, and federal law enforcement agency partners gather on the SDSU campus to review shooter scenarios and discuss response tactics.
“We always want to provide the highest level of response,” Mays said. “It is our obligation and duty to sharpen our tools and stay prepared.”
