Run - Hide - Defend: Surviving an active attacker
In today’s world it is important to be aware that there is a remote possibility of an active attacker situation. And the steps you take before police arrive could save your life.
Below are important tips to help you assess your situation and determine what to do.
Should you Run, Hide or Defend?
WHAT WILL THE POLICE RESPONSE LOOK LIKE?
In the case of an active attacker, the goal of the police response is to put an end to the threat as soon as possible. The first responders will often:
- Enter the area in teams of one to four
- Wear regular patrol uniforms with Kevlar vests or other tactical equipment
- Be armed with rifles, shotguns and handguns
- They may not initially stop to assist any injured people; the most important objective is to stop the attacker from hurting anyone else
Run
If you have the opportunity, run away from the attacker. Don’t let indecision slow you down. If the attacker stands between you and an exit. Move quickly to safety and find a place to hide.
- IF YOU HAVE THE CHANCE, RUN TO SAFETY
- LEAVE YOUR BELONGINGS BEHIND
- HELP OTHERS STAY OUT OF HARM’S WAY
- CALL 9-1-1 FROM A SAFE LOCATION
Hide
If you cannot run to safety, make it difficult for the attacker to see, hear or find you. Move quickly but remain calm. If you are in a group, scatter so you don’t make an easy target.
- LOCK DOORS AND BARRICADE YOURSELF
- TURN OFF ANY LIGHTS
- TURN OFF PHONE SOUNDS AND VIBRATIONS. DO NOT TURN OFF YOUR PHONE
- BE PREPARED TO RUN OR FIGHT IF YOU ARE FOUND
Defend
Despite attempts to run and hide, you may find yourself face to face with the attacker. Defending yourself may be your last resort, but it may also provide you with the chance to run or hide.
- BE PREPARED TO DEFEND YOURSELF
- TEAM UP WITH OTHERS
- IDENTIFY DEFENSIVE SKILLS AND TOOLS
- REMEMBER: YOUR ACTIONS BEFORE POLICE ARRIVE MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE
HOW CAN I HELP THE POLICE WHEN THEY RESPOND?
Police officers may ask questions to help locate and eliminate the attacker. Be prepared to provide them with:
- The locations of the attacker
- The number of attackers
- A physical description of the attacker
- The number and type of weapons being used by the attacker
- Potential victims and their locations
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN POLICE RESPOND?
When police officers respond to an active attacker situation, they may not stop to tend to the injured until the threat has been eliminated. When they arrive:
- Remain calm and follow instructions
- Put down items in your hands that could be mistaken for a weapon
- Raise your hands and keep them visible at all times
- Avoid making quick movements toward officers, pointing, screaming or yelling
- Officers may order you to lay down and/or handcuff you
- Do not stop to ask officers for help or directions to escape
- Proceed in the direction from which the officers entered the area
This information has been adapted, with permission, from material developed by the York Regional Police.
Watch the York Regional Police video outlining these strategies.
Contact Us
London Police Service
601 Dundas Street
London, Ontario
N6B 1X1
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: 519-661-5670