Sniper and Hostage Response Protocol
During any sniper or hostage situation, the goal is to contain and isolate the individual with the gun or hostage(s) while limiting the number of potential hostages/victims. The steps to follow would be as stated in the Firearms/Weapons section above, that is:
- DO NOT approach the person with the weapon.
- Move immediately out of the area to a safe location.
- Notify others as you leave the area.
- Call 911 and inform them of the situation, and then notify the Director of Campus Safety.
- Do not re-enter the area and take steps to prevent others from doing so until the authorities arrive.
- Once you are in a safe area, do not leave unless a Graceville Police Officer or university employee under the direction of the Graceville Police arrives to escort you out.
- Remain as calm and as quiet as you can.
- Do not attempt to rescue others unless you have been trained or can reach them in a safe manner.
- Above all, do not endanger yourself.
Once notified of a sniper or hostage situation, the Director of Campus Safety will use whatever communication system is available for the particular building involved to notify others in the building of a hostage or sniper situation. Director of Campus Safety will also seal off that building and prevent others from entering it until the situation is resolved. The faculty and staff in the building involved in the incident should immediately lock the doors to the rooms they are in, turn off the lights and suggest all occupants seek shelter behind a brick or metal structure(s) that would provide some protection from bullets fired from a firearm. Faculty and staff in each room should then remain as calm and as quiet as possible and attempt to contact the Police to advise them of their location and the number of people in the room. In such situations, a cell phone is the best communication device to use.
The Graceville Police will assume control of the incident upon arrival and remove individuals from the building when safe to do so. Thus, you should remain in your secure (locked down) location until a Graceville Police Officer or the Director of Campus Safety, under the direction of the Graceville Police Department, arrives to escort you out of the room. Baptist University of Florida will follow the directions given by the Graceville Police or the highest-ranking official on scene during this process and will not be directly involved in the negotiations unless asked to participate by the highest-ranking police official.