The Salisbury University Police Department (SUPD) strives to enhance the educational and cultural experience for all students, faculty, staff and visitors by providing professional, competent and compassionate law enforcement and security services.

Each month we share important safety information with the campus community. While SUPD is always monitoring campus safety, our safest environment is made possible when we all are aware of our surroundings and being observant to possible threats.

This month’s topic: hostile intruder response

Once SUPD is alerted to the presence of an armed intruder on campus, believed to pose an immediate threat, alerts will be sent through campus communications channels, including the siren alert system (which will include verbal instructions), SU computer monitors, text alerts and email.

If you are indoors, you should secure your office/room doors and stay quiet. Notify University Police if you know the location of the intruder(s). If possible, monitor the SU website, social media outlets or email for updated information. If you are outdoors, be alert to your surroundings and seek shelter. The armed intruder warning will remain in effect until an “all clear” notification has been given.

Members of the campus community can be their own first line of defense by following these steps:

• If you think you can safely make it out of the building by running, do so. If you decide to run, do not run in a straight line. Indoors, attempt to keep objects such as desks, cabinets, etc., between you and the hostile person(s). Outdoors, use trees, vehicles and other objects to block you from the view of intruders.
• You can try to hide, but make sure it is a well-hidden space or you may be found as the intruder moves through the building looking for victims.
• Your last option if you are caught in an open area in a building may be to fight back. This is dangerous, but depending on your situation, it could be your only choice.
• If you are caught by the intruder and choose not to fight back, obey all commands and do not look the intruder in the eyes.
• Once police arrive, obey all commands. This may involve being handcuffed or keeping your hands in the air. This is done for safety reasons, and once circumstances are evaluated by police, they will give you further directions to follow.

SUPD offers lectures and trainings to departments, offices, student organizations and other groups on campus free of charge. To schedule a visit, call SUPD at 410-543-6222.

For more information on SU’s hostile intruder protocol, visit the SUPD hostile intruder webpage.

For more information on emergency situations, visit SUPD emergency preparedness and response information webpage.

In the event of an emergency, always dial 911. For non-emergency assistance, call 410-543-6222 or visit the SUPD webpage.

SU is an Equal Opportunity/AA/Title IX university and provides reasonable accommodation given sufficient notice to the University office or staff sponsoring the event or program. For more information regarding SU's policies and procedures, please visit salisbury.edu/equity.

1101 Camden Avenue Salisbury, MD 21801 | 410-543-6000