If you are involved in a situation where someone has entered the area and started shooting, the following is a list of actions that are recommended. It should be noted that this type of incident is unpredictable. The below guidelines are recommendations that are based on past experiences. You may have to alter some of these suggestions, depending on the situation.
The policy outlined herein is meant to establish baseline agency/department protocols across the Village of Romeoville for active shooter situations. Additionally, whenever possible, it is recommended that agencies commit to the implementation of the best practices outlined in the subsequent sections of this document.
1. Each facility shall have an active shooter preparedness plan, which is to be updated every two years, as needed. At a minimum, a plan should comprise the following.
• Security Assessments
• Preparedness
• Communication
• Incident Plan (i.e., actions to take during the incident)
• Training and Exercises
• Post Incident Recovery (Employees, Operations)
2. As plans are drafted, reviewed, and updated, each facility Designated Official or designee shall collaborate with the Romeoville Police Department and all first responder agencies likely to address an active shooter situation.
3. Department representatives shall provide training, materials, and/or awareness discussions to inform employees of active shooter preparedness plans as they are updated.
4. Employees should be made aware of the Village of Romeoville-endorsed A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) Program.
5. Employees should be informed of the importance of having a personal plan.
6. New employees should be given active shooter preparedness training during the initial onboarding period.
7. The active shooter plan need not be a stand-alone document. The Romeoville Police Department and/or its designated official will determine the best way to incorporate the active shooter plan into existing protocols.
A. Active Shooter When Able to Leave Facility
Exit the building immediately and notify anyone you may encounter to exit the building also.
Get as far away from the incident as possible and find cover. It is not recommended to leave the property by vehicle as this may cause a traffic Jam which could put people in danger. It could also impede incoming emergency vehicles. Attempt to let a supervisor or fellow worker know your status so that everyone can be accounted for. Supervisors should designate a "Rally Point" for employees to know in advance. Evacuation building maps should be posted for critical incidents.
Call 911 immediately and/or the Police. Give the 911 dispatcher the following information:
1. Your name
2. Location of the incident (be as specific as possible)
3. Number of shooters (if known)
4. Identification or description of shooter
5. Number of persons who may be involved
6. Your location
B. Active Shooter When Not Able to Leave Facility
If you are directly involved in an incident and exiting the building is not safe, the following actions are recommended:
1. Go to the nearest room or office.
2. Close and lock the door.
3. Cover the door windows.
4. Keep quiet and act as if no one is in the room.
5. DO NOT answer the door.
6. Barricade the door (tables, chairs, vending machines, etc.)
7. Notify 911
8. Give the dispatcher the following information:
9. Your name
10. Your location (be as specific as possible)
11. Number of shooters (if known)
12. Identification or description of shooter
13. Number of persons who may be involved
14. Wait for local police to assist you out of the building.
15. If the armed offender enters the room you are occupying, run, hide and/or fight options are available to protect yourself. You may use deadly force against the armed offender to save your own life.
Police Response:
Police are trained to respond to an active shooting incident by entering the building as soon as possible and proceeding to the area of the shooter(s). They will move quickly and directly. Early on in an incident, they may not be able to rescue people because their main goal is to get to the shooter(s). People need to try to remain calm and patient during this time, so as not to interfere with police operations. Normally, a rescue team is formed shortly after the first responding officers enter the building. They will be the Officers who will search for injured parties and get everyone safely out of the building.
(Ord. 23-1853, passed 5-3-23)