Hostage Situation



The university is considered a safe campus. However in the event of an individual holding people against their will, it is important to be familiar with the following procedures to improve the likelihood of a favorable resolution to the situation.

If you hear or see a hostage situation

  • Immediately remove yourself from danger if possible
  • Notify the police by calling 9-911 (911 from non-campus or cell phones) and provide the following information:
  • Location of incident
  • Number and description of hostage takers
  • Number and description of hostages
  • Your name, location, and phone number

Note: Do not hang up until the dispatcher advises you to disconnect

If you are taken hostage

  • Remain calm, be polite and cooperate with your captors
  • Speak normally
  • Observe the captors and try to memorize their physical traits, clothing or other details that can help provide a description
  • Try to establish a relationship with your captors and get them to know you. You want the captor to think of you as a person not as an object. Captors are less likely to harm you if they respect you.
  • If forced to present terrorist demands to authorities, state clearly that the demands are from your captors. Avoid making a plea on your own behalf.
  • Try to stay low to the ground or behind cover away from windows or doors
  • Do not attempt escape unless there is an extremely good chance of survival
  • Do not complain, avoid being belligerent and comply with instructions
  • Do not draw attention to yourself with sudden body movements, statements, comments or hostile looks
  • If possible, dial 911 and leave the connection open with the phone on mute