Criminal Incident /Hostile Intruder Protocol

VIOLENT OR CRIMINAL INCIDENT RESPONSE PROTOCOL

If you observe a criminal act or whenever you observe a suspicious person on campus, notify Campus Safety at 610-558-5555immediately and report the incident, including the following information:

  1. Nature of the incident.
  2. Location of the incident.
  3. Description of person(s) involved.
  4. Description of property involved.
  5. Type of weapon, if any. Note: If the incident poses a danger of death or bodily injury, call 911 first.

Timely Warnings
When the Department of Campus Safety becomes aware of criminal incidents that, in the judgment of the University’s senior leadership, constitute an ongoing threat to the campus community, the Department of Campus Safety issues a Crime Alert to notify the community. These Crime Alerts are disseminated via the Department of Campus Safety. Depending on the particular circumstances, a timely warning will be issued without delay by the Department of Campus Safety and the information may be disseminated by using one or a combination of the following: e-mail distribution, Neumann University website, campus publications and postings and/or activation of the externally hosted emergency notification Campus alert system to advise the community of the situation. Neumann University withholds as confidential the names of victims.

HOSTILE INTRUDERSWhen an intruder in a campus building is actively causing serious bodily harm or the threat of imminently serious bodily harm:

  1. immediately seek cover and call 911 and the Department of Campus Safety at 610-558-5555. Give as many details as possible relative to location, number of assailants, means of aggression and other information you can provide.
  2. Do not sound the fire alarm to evacuate the building. People evacuating may be placed in danger.
  3. Be aware of alternate exits if it becomes necessary to leave the building.
  4. Stay low and away from windows, barricade and or lock doors if possible and use furniture or desks as cover.
  5. If possible, cover any windows or openings that have a direct line of sight into the hallway.
  6. Do not leave the building until directed by Campus Safety or a police officer unless the specific circumstances present a more dangerous situation by staying in the building than in attempting to escape.

When an intruder is actively causing serious bodily injury or the threat of imminently serious bodily injury to people on the campus grounds:

  1. Run away from the threat as quickly and as safely as possible.
  2. Do not run in a straight line. Use buildings, trees, shrubs, cars, etc. as cover.
  3. Once you are away from the immediate area of danger, summon help and warn others.

Additional Information - Active ShooterAn active shooter is a person who appears to be actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area. In most cases active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

  • If active shooter is outside your building, immediately seek cover in an attempt to conceal and hide from the shooter.
  • Proceed to a room that can be locked.
  • Lock all windows and doors.
  • Turn off all the lights.
  • Get everyone down on the floor and ensure that no one is visible from outside the room.
  • One person should call 911 or Campus Safety at 610-558-5555.
  • Remain in place until the police give the “All Clear”.
  • Do not respond to any voice commands until you can verify that it is a police officer.
  • If active shooter is in the same building follow same procedures as above.
  • If your room cannot be locked, determine if there is a nearby location that can be reached safely and secured or if you can exit the building safely.
  • If active shooter enters your office, classroom, or residence, try to remain calm.
  • Call 911 and alert dispatcher of the shooter’s location.

  • If you cannot speak, leave the line open so the dispatcher can listen to what is taking place.

What to report:

  • Your specific location: building name and office/room number
  • Number of people at your specific location.
  • Injuries: number and type of injuries
  • Assailant(s): location, number of suspects, race/gender, clothing description, physical features, type of weapons, backpack, shooter’s identity if known, etc.
    Shelter in place- A process by taking immediate shelter. Originally defined for weather, a chemical incident or terrorist attack. Also implemented as a response to armed events. When University Authorities order a “Shelter-in-Place” they want everyone to take immediate action and building occupants are to remain indoors secured in a sheltered area.
    Lockdown- The external and internal securing of buildings in the wake of an incident involving potential assailants possessing firearms with a hostile intent. Includes Shelter in place.

When University Authorities order a “Lockdown” they want everyone to take immediate action and building occupants are to remain indoors secured in a sheltered area and the exterior doors to the buildings shall be locked to prevent intrusion.

  • Stop classes or work, or close business operations.
  • If there are students, faculty, staff or visitors in the building, provide for their safety by asking them to stay.
  • Do not sound the fire alarm to evacuate the building. People evacuating may be placed in danger.
  • Be aware of alternate exits if it becomes necessary to leave the building.
  • Close and lock all windows, exterior doors, and any other openings to the outside. If possible, cover any windows or openings that have a direct line of sight into the hallway.
  • If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains.
  • Keep your cell phone with you to the shelter area.
  • Select interior rooms above the ground floor with the fewest windows or vents. Stay low and away from windows, barricade and or lock doors if possible and use furniture or desks as cover.
  • Do not leave the building until directed by Campus Safety or a police officer unless the specific circumstances present a more dangerous situation by staying in the building, than in attempting to escape.