Active Threats

An active threat is considered any incident in which one or more people create an immediate threat or presents imminent danger to the campus. The weapon used is usually a firearm but could be a knife, other blunt object, an explosive device, or other threatening weapon.

The odds of any member of the campus community experiencing an active shooter situation may be low, but the potential impact is extremely high. We believe this material could save a life, whether on campus or anywhere else you may be.

Preparing for an active threat event helps you plan for all situations. You can employ this thought process to prepare for any kind of emergency. This information encourages you to ask that powerful, “What if…?” question to increase your situational awareness anywhere.

The options presented in the Avoid. Deny. Defend. protocols can be applied wherever you go. In addition to knowing your options, a goal of active threat preparedness is to help you practice situational awareness, whether on- or off-campus.

UAPD offers various training courses that vary in intensity. Participants are encouraged to step out of any portion of training that makes them feel anxious or upset.

It can also be helpful to talk to someone about your feelings. Talk about it with friends, colleagues, or family. If this material is distressing, students can contact Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), which offers 24/7 mental health support. Call 479-575-5276 during business hours or use the same number after hours to reach the on-call emergency counselor.

The university contracts with the Employee Assistance Program to provide services to employees. These services are offered to benefits-eligible employees and their immediate family members at no cost. More information can be found at eap.uams.edu.

We hope the information presented in readiness training and materials helps members of the campus community feel more confident in their ability to address active threat situations should they arise.

The University operates a trained and accredited police force, the University of Arkansas Police Department, which responds to reports of threats or violent acts on campus, and works closely with other local law enforcement units. The university also operates a Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment Team (BIT-TAT), which reviews and responds to concerns involving students, employees, and others within the campus community. More information may be found on the BIT/TAT website: https://bit-tat.uark.edu/.

The university maintains a campus violence prevention policy that outlines the framework for addressing and mitigating potential threats to the campus community. The Campus Violence Policy and Procedures may be found at https://policies.uark.edu/fayetteville-policies/uapd/4160.php.

To learn more about preventing campus violence and additional resources, visit the University’s campus violence prevention website: Preventing Violence | Campus Safety | University of Arkansas.

It is the responsibility of all campus community members to help maintain an environment free from threats or acts of violence. Prior to carrying out attacks, active attackers often display warning signs, or “Red Flag Behaviors,” which may be noticed by bystanders such as colleagues, classmates, family, or friends on social media. If you observe concerning, “Red Flag” behavior, reporting it creates an opportunity for violence prevention authorities to assess the situation, determine whether someone may be on a pathway to violence, and apply strategies to redirect behavior and support community wellness. Reports can be submitted at report.uark.edu.

A “Red Flag Behavior” is concerning, questionable, suspicious or inappropriate behavior that may be presented through an individual’s appearance, spoken or written words, or specific actions. Examples of “Red Flag Behaviors” include:

• Behavior(s) which regularly interfere with classroom environment or management
• Notable change in academic performance – poor or inconsistent preparation
• Notable change in behavior or appearance
• Impairment of thoughts – verbally or in writing
• Aggressive behaviors toward others; inability to set limits or re-direct focus
• Poor decision making and coping skills
• Inappropriate or strange behavior
• Low frustration tolerance
• Overreaction to circumstances
• Lack of resiliency
• Writings and comments endorsing violence; unusual interest in violence
• Indirect or direct threats in writings or verbalizations
• Lack of empathy and concern for others; inability to care
• Anger management problems
• Threats to others
• Appearance of being overly nervous, tense or tearful
• Withdrawal and isolation

For concerns involving acts or threats of violence, contact UAPD at (479) 575-2222 or through the SafeZone app by touching the “Call UAPD” button. To learn more about the SafeZone app, check out the Emergency Communications page.

For other concerns involving Red Flag behavior of any campus community member, contact the Behavioral Threat Assessment Team (BIT-TAT) by completing a report at report.uark.edu.

No, it’s not practical to have a detailed plan for every area you visit. However, you can take a moment in various locations to ask, “What if…?” which helps you practice awareness to your surroundings. It will prompt you to make a mental note of exits and identify locations that provide protection. Practicing this regularly makes a critical difference in how you react in a real emergency.

• Familiarize yourself with emergency exit routes and the locations of emergency equipment like first aid kits, fire extinguishers, etc., in the buildings you frequent.
• Identify objects you carry or objects in the spaces you frequent that may be used to distract or disorient an active attacker (e.g., items that may be thrown at an active attacker), if necessary.
• Utilize the SafeZone app Check-in/Check-out timer when walking alone. This timer shares your position with UAPD for your personal safety. To learn more about the SafeZone app, check out the Emergency Communications page.

Enrolled students and employees should automatically be signed up to receive RazALERT notifications. However, if you aren’t receiving these notifications, please check to make sure your cell phone and email address are listed correctly in Workday.

Learn more about how and where to check your contact info on our RazALERT Preferences and Contact Information page.

Concealed handguns are only allowed on campus for people who hold a valid concealed carry permit and an enhanced concealed carry permit as established by the Arkansas State Police. More information can be found on the Campus Carry website.

In an active threat situation, the more distance you place between yourself and the threat, the higher the probability that you will escape harm. Therefore, if you can safely leave the building, Avoid (leave as quickly as possible, take whoever you can with you). If you cannot safely leave, find a place to Deny (Deny the intruder access to you, lock and barricade doors, turn out lights). Choose Defend only as a last resort if you cannot safely Avoid or Deny.

Everyone must scan and assess their own situation and choose whether to Avoid or Deny according to their circumstances. It’s okay if your response is different from your manager, co-worker, professor, or classmates. Know that research shows Avoiding the situation is the best course of action, if you can safely do so. However, you have the authority and responsibility to choose the option that is best for you and your particular circumstances.

Do not leave a secured area until a trusted source or a confirmed police officer advises to do so or until you receive an update on the situation from the RazALERT emergency notification system.

Be advised that most information found on social media is not verified in active threat situations. Only trust information from official campus sources. If there is any doubt that the threat is over, or if there are concerns for the safety of individuals inside the room, remain secured until a RazALERT emergency notification advises the threat is over.

The option to Defend should only be considered as a last resort, when Avoid and Deny are no longer possible, and only if your life is in immediate danger and you must do what you can to save your own life. Never intentionally seek out the threat. Nobody will force you to take this step, but you should be aware that it’s an option.

People intending to harm typically don’t respond to reason. An active attacker almost always continues until something happens to stop them (most often by suicide or by police engagement).

Many schools and businesses, including the university, prefer the terminology of Avoid Deny Defend. "Avoid" provides clear guidance for those who can run but also for those who are physically unable to run. "Deny," as in denying access to your location, is stronger and more active than "Hide." And while "Fight" is an action that is generally prohibited on campus, "Defend" is a last resort safeguard, a right and an opportunity to guard against life-threatening action. Ultimately, whichever plan you use, we encourage you to have a plan - and be aware of your surroundings, be safe and know that What You Do Matters.

In an active shooter situation, we encourage everyone to follow the Avoid, Deny, Defend strategy:

Avoid: If it’s safe to do so, leave the area immediately. Know your accessible exits and routes in advance.

Deny: If avoid isn’t possible, deny the intruder access. Lock or barricade doors, turn off lights, and silence devices.

Defend: If the first two options do not work, defend yourself and those around you. Use any objects available to you to distract or interrupt the actions of the attacker.

Additional preparedness tips for people with disabilities:

• Develop a Personal Emergency Plan: Collaborate with the Center for Educational Access (CEA), The Office of Accommodation and Accessibility Services, or your department to create a plan tailored to your needs.
• Establish a Support Network: Identify trusted individuals who can assist you during emergencies.
• Accessible Alerts: Make sure your devices are set up to receive emergency notifications in formats that work for you (e.g., visual, auditory, tactile).

If you need help creating a plan or have questions about emergency accessibility, please contact the Center for Educational Access via email at cea.uark.edu or The Office of Accommodation and Accessibility Services via email at access@uark.edu.

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency exit routes and locations of first aid kits in your area
• Check whether your office or classroom doors lock, and how to control the locking mechanism
• Consider windows in your office or classrooms- check whether the blinds can be closed and how to operate them
• Know your resources for obtaining additional information to share with your students or staff, including the University Safety website, safety.uark.edu, and its associated resources, downloads, and guidelines.

UAPD and Emergency Management offers a variety of training over various preparedness topics. Please review the training offered on the UAPD website.

In moments like these, leadership can come from anyone—an instructor, a member of administration, support staff, or a student. Any one of us may have the presence of mind to remember what to do and take action. With proper education and preparation, we are all empowered to make informed decisions for ourselves and, when possible, to assist others.

No one is expected to be a hero, but if you can help others without putting yourself in unnecessary danger, you are encouraged to do so.

Instructors, in particular, play a vital role. Their role in leading the class and their position at the front of the classroom naturally places them in a visible and influential spot. Their ability to provide calm, clear guidance can make a significant difference. While anyone may step up to lead, instructors and supervisors should be familiar with emergency protocols and be prepared to offer direction and reassurance when possible.

We encourage all members of our university community to review available training and resources so they feel prepared to respond safely and effectively.

The University of Arkansas Police Department (UAPD) will be the primary responders, in coordination with external agencies including, but not limited to, the Fayetteville Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

No; not unless you confirm fire or smoke or are directed to do so by emergency responders. Otherwise, each person in a building should determine their best course of action, based on their own location in relation to the threat and their own personal capabilities in any given scenario.