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