Active Assailant-Avoid, Deny, Defend

An Active Assailant is an individual using deadly physical force against people in a confined or populated area. Oberlin College Campus Safety recommends the "Avoid, Deny, Defend" response if you are near an Active Assailant incident. This strategy involves:

AVOID –Quickly and safely exit the area, putting distance between yourself and the assailant. Prioritize your safety and seek help as soon as you are in a secure location.

DENY– If you cannot safely evacuate or are unsure of the assailant's location, secure yourself in a room, classroom, or office, creating as many barriers as possible between you and the assailant. If you are outside, find the nearest building and seek shelter in an interior space. Prioritize locking doors and blocking entrances to enhance safety.

DEFEND – If there are no safe escape options and you are confronted by an assailant, try to disrupt or incapacitate them using available resources. This could involve acting aggressively, yelling, throwing items, or improvising weapons. Prioritize your safety and the safety of others.

The University of Arkansas Police Department offers online video training to guide individuals on how to respond in the event of an Active Assailant situation. This resource aims to equip the community with knowledge and strategies for ensuring safety during such incidents.

UAPD Active Shooter Video:  Avoid, Deny, Defend

Oberlin College Campus Safety introduced A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Information, Counter, Escape) training in 2013 in response to FBI statistics on workplace violence. This training addresses the significant threat of active shooter situations. Currently, the college teaches the principles of Avoid, Deny, Defend, and offers this training to any education program, college department, or organization interested in participation.

FBI Active Shooter Statistics, 2021

Avoid, Deny, Defend, Training opportunities are available for 2024 to students, faculty, and staff.