Active armed offender

• If you see a safe way out leave the area immediate leave the area immediately
• Move quickly and quietly away from danger if it is safe to do so
• Take your mobile phone with you if you can, but do not go back to get it if it puts you in danger
• Leave other belongings behind
• Encourage others to go with you. However, do not let their hesitation slow you down

• If you cannot escape stay out of sight and silence your mobile phone
• Secure your environment by locking doors and windows and if possible, barricade entries
• Stay away from doors and windows
• Remain quiet and still so you do not give away your hiding place
• Look for any potential exit points

• Call Police (111) when it is safe to do so

• The more information you can give about your location, surroundings, the attackers and the events that have occurred, the better

• Inform the call taker:
  • exact location of the incident
  • description of the offender/s and whether they are moving in any particular direction
  • details of any weapons being used
  • number of people in the area and any that have been injured
  • the intent of the offender/s (if known or apparent)

Be aware of your surroundings.

If you see a commotion, hear screams, gunfire or loud noises, try to identify where it is coming from.

Keep yourself safe.

You may have to hide before you have the opportunity to escape or you may still need to hide once you have escaped the immediate area.

Help others and the injured if it does not put yourself and others in any danger.

Try to stop others from entering the area, but only if it doesn’t put you in any danger.

Do not move closer to see what is happening - this may put you in danger.

Consider looking for something you can use to defend yourself as a last resort if found by the attacker.

Follow all Police instructions.

The Police’s first priority will be to deal with the immediate threat to prevent further injury. This may take time.

It is important to remember:

• it is possible police officers may initially not be able to distinguish you from the offender/s
• one of their priority actions is to locate the offender, which means they may move past people that need help
• police officers will be armed and could point guns in your direction
• police may treat you firmly
• avoid quick movements or shouting and keep your hands visible
• police may initially move past you in search of the offender/s
• stay where you are hiding until police tell you it is safe to evacuate
• the police will secure the building and locate people who have hidden from the threat
• promptly follow any instructions given by emergency responders.

Document Control
Version: V2.0
Last Updated: June 2024
Next Review: June 2027
Owner: hsw@auckland.ac.nz
Approver: Associate Director, Health Safety & Wellbeing