Last year’s tragic shooting incident at Virginia Tech caused college campuses across the nation to reevaluate their emergency preparedness plans.
In an effort to respond effectively to a UCSF campus shooting, the UCSF Police Department is launching an “Active Shooter” program that will focus on preparation and education. Training for this type of threat will increase the chances of survival for faculty, students, staff, trainees, volunteers and visitors.
As part of the UCSF Police Department’s inaugural kickoff event for its Active Shooter program, a workshop will be conducted by UC Davis Police Lieutenant Matthew Carmichael and members of the UCSF Police Department.
The first workshop will be held on Tuesday, July 29, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Health Sciences West, room 300, on the UCSF Parnassus campus.
The 90-minute workshop will focus on understanding an active shooter situation. The discussion will describe the most effective and appropriate response to this type of event. This discussion is based in part on the lessons learned from the Columbine High School incident and similar events across the nation.
For example, workshop participants will learn that there are three key focus areas:
- ESCAPE: Everyone should always know where avenues of escape are, whether at work, the mall or other public places.
- HIDE: If escape is not immediately possible, the second imperative is to hide. People should know where there are places for concealment within their workplace (e.g., false ceiling, under a sink, etc.).
- COVER: The third action is to take cover. Get behind something – such as a filing cabinet, desk or door – or several things that would help stop or deflect a bullet. Above all, understand that the ultimate goal is to escape.
During the workshop, the UCSF Police Department will provide information about future training and resources as its Active Shooter program continues through the year.
All members of the UCSF community are encouraged to attend this workshop, especially students, faculty, staff, medical staff and residents.
If you have further questions or need more information regarding the UCSF Police Department’s Active Shooter program, please contact Captain Paul Berlin at 415/476-0907.
