University Department of Public Safety

An active threat/attack is when one or more individuals is actively killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area. The attackers(s) may use a firearm, knife, vehicle, explosive device, or other weapons. Active attacks are often unpredictable and can evolve quickly.  Many are over within minutes - sometimes before law enforcement or emergency medical services can arrive on scene.

Our primary goal is to prevent violence before it ever occurs. Research shows that behavioral interventions and safety awareness can significantly reduce the risk of an active attack in our community.

• Engage with respect and dignity.  We all have differences in opinion, perspectives and life experiences, but we can still work together to create a community of respect.  Learn more about this effort at the Dignity Index.
• Be vigilant.  If you see concerning or threatening behavior, call 911 or University Police at 801-585-2677.
• Say something.  If there’s no immediate safety threat, but someone’s behavior raises concerns, tell someone.  Information on how to report can be found here: Threat Assessment & Management Partnership.  Behavioral interventions can help de-escalate individuals who may be on a pathway to violence.
• Look for support.  If you’re in crisis, feeling isolated, or need help, reach out for mental health support, talk to a friend, or ask someone in your community for assistance.
  • Free counselors are available 24/7 at SafeUT.
  • Ongoing and crisis counseling is also available for students through the University Counseling Center (UCC) and Mental Health First Responders (MH1).
  • Employees can also access mental health services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

If a person is considering violence, they may exhibit behaviors that suggest they’re planning an attack. Recognizing and reporting warning signs helps keep our campus safe and ensures people at risk receive the support they need. Watch for behaviors such as:

• Threatening violence
• Expressing a grievance
• Fixating on a person
• Acting erratically
• Identifying with previous attackers
• Researching or planning an attack
• Any behavior that makes you concerned for your safety or the safety of others

Report your concern immediately.  Call 911 or University Police at 801-585-2677.
For situations that do not pose an immediate safety threat, learn more about submitting a referral to the Threat Assessment & Management Partnership.

Preparation and practice are key to surviving an active threat.  Training can help you identify behavioral concerns that might signal an attack and develop a plan for how to respond.  These life-saving skills can help you stay aware, remain calm, and choose the best options to protect yourself and others if an attack occurs.

Empower yourself (and your team) with these trainings and resources:

• Watch the "Active Threat Preparedness" training videos.
  • Employees can access training through the Learning Hub or University of Utah Health's LMS system.
  • Students can view the training video on this website (see below).
  • You can also request an in-person training and building walk-throughs for your department/unit through the Department of Public Safety.
• Take a "Stop the Bleed" training and ask if your building has a "Stop the Bleed" kit, typically located in the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) box in a visible hallway location.
• Be aware of your surroundings.  An active threat situation can happen at any time and in any place.  Situational awareness helps you recognize early warning signs and respond quickly.
• Familiarize yourself with the building or area.  Identify nearby exits, stairways, and egress windows, in case of an emergency.
• Sign up for Campus Alerts to receive up-to-date information on emergency events.
• U of U Health uses separate notification methods for healthcare specific alerts, as outlined on the Pulse Emergency Management website (under "Critical Tools” reference "Emergency Alert Information”).

Introductory Training

An introductory training video is required for all university employees. This 8-1/2 minute video provides an overview of the basic elements of preventing, preparing for, and responding to active threats. Staff and faculty should access the training via Learning Hub or University of Utah Health's LMS system. Students can access the introductory training on the Department of Public Safety's website (refer to video below).  It will also be integrated into student Community Standards Courses for Fall 2026 enrollment.

In-Depth Training

A more comprehensive 60-minute Active Threat Preparedness training is available for all staff, faculty and students.  The training uses curriculum developed by the Texas School Safety Center, adapted for a higher education environment.  It covers:

• Psychological responses that you may have during an attack and how to make a plan so you can respond quickly.
• The "Avoid, Deny, Defend, Aid" decision-making process.
• How to identify behaviors of concern that might indicate someone is on the pathway to violence.
• A case study of an active threat situation in higher education.

Staff and faculty should access the training in Learning Hub or University of Utah Health's LMS system,  Students can access the training at the Department of Public Safety's website.

In-Person Training

The Department of Public Safety offers in-person trainings for departments, units, and groups. These sessions use the same curriculum as the in-depth virtual training, with additional time for Q&A.

For departments and units, in-person trainings can include a building walk-through to discuss response options specific to your work area. Requests for in-person trainings can be submitted to the Department of Public Safety.

What can I expect to hear and see in this training?

The focus of these trainings is on individual skill-building. This includes learning how to prevent violence, improving your situational awareness, identifying response options if an attack were to occur, and learning how the university will communicate during an emergency.

·       The 8-1/2 minute introductory video does not include any visuals of attackers or guns, but it does contain the sound of gunshots. You have the option to mute the audio and rely on closed captions, if preferred.

·       The in-depth 60-minute training on active threat preparedness includes specific references (audio and visual) to active attacks and workplace violence situations. The purpose of including these references is to show real-case examples of how individuals may respond psychologically and physically during an active attack. Understanding how you might respond can improve decision-making if an actual event were to occur, which ultimately increases your likelihood of survival.

We realize that thinking about active threats and violence can bring up strong emotions. It can be helpful to talk to someone about your feelings. You can reach out for mental health support, talk to a friend or family members, or ask someone in your community for assistance.

• Free counselors are available 24/7 at SafeUT.
• Ongoing and crisis counseling is also available for students through the University Counseling Center (UCC) and Mental Health First Responders (MH1).
• Employees can also access mental health services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

As of January 2026, the University of Utah uses the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) as its unified, campus-wide approach to emergency communication and action.  The SRP was developed by The "I Love You Guys" Foundation and aligns with emergency protocols in Utah's K–12 schools and local law enforcement training.

Adopting the SRP ensures that students, faculty, staff, and visitors share a common, easy-to-understand vocabulary during any incident. Its simple, action-based directives support clear and consistent responses to active threat situations - as well as weather events, medical emergencies, fires, earthquakes, and accidents.

More information on the SRP and emergency notifications can be found on Department of Public Safety's Emergency Management website and in Pulse (for U of U Health employees).

Uncontrolled bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death from trauma. Everyone should have basic training in bleeding control principles to provide immediate, frontline aid -- until first responders are able to take over the care of the injured person.

More information on "Stop the Bleed" and a short virtual training is available on the Department of Public Safety's Emergency Management website.  University of Utah Health's Trauma Prevention Program offers comprehensive in-person "Stop the Bleed" courses for the community - from students to parents to professionals.

When law enforcement arrives, their first priority is to stop the threat. To stay safe during their response, follow these guidelines.

• Remain calm and follow officers' instructions.
• Put down any items in your hands (such as cellphones, bags, jackets).
• Keep your hands raised and visible at all times
• Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling.
• Don't make sudden movements toward officers or attempt to hold on to them for safety.
• When evacuating, keep moving to the specified area - don't stop to ask questions.

Keep in mind that law enforcement will not provide aid to injured individuals until the threat has been stopped.  As a result, it may take additional time for emergency medical services to enter the building.  Be prepared to "Stop the Bleed," if needed.

It is impossible to predict how anyone will react in an active threat situation. In these high-stress moments, leadership can come from anyone. With preparation and training, each of us has the power to decide which course of action is best for ourselves.  Heroism is not expected, but if you can assist others without putting yourself at risk, your actions can make a difference.

While anyone can take a leadership role in an emergency, supervisors, faculty, and instructors should be well-versed in emergency protocols and prepared to offer direction and reassurance, when safe to do so.  Their calm, clear guidance can shape outcomes when it’s needed most.

The "Avoid, Deny, Defend, Aid" terminology has been adopted by the Utah State Board of Education, as well as universities, businesses, and schools across the nation.  The terminology was developed by Texas State University as a complement to their Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT).™

"Avoid, Deny, Defend, Aid" is similar to other response models (such as "Run, Hide, Fight") but includes important distinctions.

• AVOID emphasizes that your first priority is to avoid the threat. While the best response is often to run, there may be situations where you need to move quietly to avoid detection or to assess the situation as it evolves.  AVOID also acknowledges that some individuals may be physically unable to run.
• DENY access to your location (such as locking and barricading doors) is a more active strategy than hiding (which implies passively concealing yourself or acting lifeless when an attacker enters the room).
• DEFEND remains a "last resort" measure, but it's also your right and reinforces a survival mindset. Additionally, most K-12 schools and workplaces have zero-tolerance policies for "fighting" which may cause confusion for students/employees as they consider how to respond.
• AID focuses on providing life-saving assistance to others when it is safe to do so, such as controlling bleeding until first responders arrive.

Regardless of which terminology you choose, the most important thing is to have a plan and remember that you have options for how to respond in an active threat situation.

While healthcare settings present unique challenges during an active threat situation, the core principles of “Avoid, Deny, Defend, Aid” still apply.  U of U Health employees can review the most current protocols on the Emergency Management site in Pulse.

Additional training resources for responding to active threat situations in healthcare environments will be introduced by Summer 2026.