1. If a hostage taker is unaware of your presence, do not intervene.
2. Call law enforcement immediately. Give dispatcher details of situation and ask for immediate assistance.
3. If possible, seal off hostage area/scene. Ask colleagues to assist you.
4. Try to pay attention to as many details as possible, and afterwards write and keep detailed notes of event.
5. Give control of scene to police and administrator/supervisor.
1. Remain calm. Avoid violence.
2. Follow the instruction of the robber.
3. Treat the robber as normally as possible and with respect.
4. Do not surprise – or attempt to surprise – the robber.
5. Inform the robber before you reach for something or move.
6. Note the robber’s facial features, height, weight, clothing, weapon, number of accomplices, and car and anything else that may help police to identify him/her.
7. Call law enforcement when the robber has left and it is safe to do so. If possible, tell police in which direction the robber traveled after leaving the scene.
8. Keep others away from the crime scene.
9. Do not touch anything the robber may have touched.
10. Document all details and activities.
11. Assess counseling needs of any victim(s) or witness(es). Give that information to the administrator/supervisor.
1. Call law enforcement immediately and administrator/supervisor, if possible.
2. Inform authorities of the name of the suspected person (if known), where the weapon is located, if the suspect has threatened anyone, or any other details that may prevent the suspect from hurting someone or him/herself.
1. Remain calm.
2. Follow instructions of the suspect.
3. Treat the suspect as normally as possible and with respect.
4. Do not try to seize the weapon.
5. If possible, call law enforcement or send a runner to seek help.
1. Assess life and safety issues first. Call law enforcement.
2. Calm the suicidal person by listening to him/her without showing judgment or lecturing.
3. Try to isolate the suicidal person from others.
4. Remove possible means of committing suicide, e.g., pills, weapons.
5. Stay with the suicidal person until a counselor/suicide intervention arrives. Do not leave the suicidal person alone.
6. If an emergency requires immediate action to protect the safety of employees, students and guests, the administrator/supervisor may initiate “lockdown” procedures.
1. Call the receptionist’s area as soon as possible and describe the situation.
2. If possible, employees may assist by directly working with the students to calm them.
3. Employees may try to discourage students/groups from leaving the area but should not forcibly detain students.
4. Employees should move students away from windows if the disturbance is outside of the building.