CU Anschutz Police Department
Program 303-724-4444 or 9-1-1 into your phone
Preventing Violence on Campus
Building a safer CU Anschutz through awareness, prevention, and unified response.
The CU Anschutz Office of Emergency Management takes a comprehensive, community‑wide approach to preventing campus violence outreach and education. An Active Harmer is anyone actively attempting to kill or injure people in a populated area, whether using a firearm or another weapon such as a knife, hatchet, or vehicle. Because these situations are unpredictable and can escalate quickly, community members are encouraged to follow the Run, Hide, Fight protocol until law enforcement arrives.
Prevention also includes recognizing concerning behaviors early and using campus reporting resources to share concerns before they escalate. Through prevention, early recognition & intervention, and effective response practices, the CU Anschutz Office of Emergency Management partners with multiple campus stakeholders to equip the campus community with the knowledge and tools needed to support a safer, more resilient environment.
How to respond when an Active Harmer is in your vicinity
To respond to an Active Harmer, quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life and constantly evaluate your options of Run, Hide, and Fight. Remember that visitors are more likely to follow the lead of students, faculty, and staff during an active harmer situation.
If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. Be sure to:
- Have at least two escape routes and plans in mind
- Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
- Leave your belongings behind
- Help others escape, if possible
- Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be
- Keep your hands visible
- Follow the instructions of law enforcement
- Do not attempt to move wounded people
- Use the SafeZone app to alert Campus Dispatch via text message or voice
- Call 9-1-1 from a campus landline or 303-724-4444 from your cellphone when safe to do so
If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active harmer is less likely to find you.
- Your hiding place should:
- Be out of the active harmer's view
- Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (e.g., an office with a closed and locked door)
- Not trap you or restrict your options for movement
- To prevent an active harmer from entering your hiding place:
- Lock the door
- Blockade the door with heavy furniture
- If the active harmer is nearby:
- Lock the door
- Silence your cellphone and other electronic devices
- Turn off any source of noise (e.g., radio, television, etc.)
- Hide behind large items (e.g., cabinets, desks, etc.)
- Remain quiet
- If evacuation and hiding are not possible:
- Dial or text 9-1-1 or 303-724-4444 to contact Campus Dispatch, if possible, to alert police of the active harmer's location
- If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen
- Use the SafeZone app to alert Campus Dispatch via text message or voice
As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active harmer by:
- Acting as aggressively as possible against the active harmer
- Throwing items and improvising weapons
- Yelling
- Committing to your actions
- Work together as a team
Actions Toward Preparedness
CU Anschutz Alerts
Add your cellphone number to your CU Anschutz Portal to receive alerts via SMS
Download CU Anschutz SAFE App
The free personal wellbeing app for all students, faculty, and staff
Report Suspicious Behaviors
If you see suspicious behaviors or actions, report them
Emergency Preparedness Resources
Locate Emergency Response Guides and evacuation routes & rally points
Wear Your University-Issued ID Badge
You ID badge give you access and identification during an emergency
Program the Emergency Information Line
Program the Emergency Information Line to your cellphone 1-877-463-6070