With the recent occurrence of mass shootings in the United States, University Police are offering the program “Shots Fired” for students, faculty and staff to learn about what to do in an active shooter situation.

University Police are offering three sessions this fall beginning Oct. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Appalachian police department.

“So the basic plan is, you have three options: run, hide or fight,” Officer K.C. Mitchell, lieutenant of investigations and leader of the program, said.

The program covers how to sense an initial problem, look for a secure place to hide, defend with improvised weapons and survival tactics to take the shooter down, Mitchell said.

Historically when a shooter is confronted, either they become subdued or give up, he said.

“What we do not encourage, is to just sit there,” Officer Todd Corley, investigations commander, said. “If there is a group of people barricaded in a room and one shooter, the best thing you can do is retaliate.We want to instill a survival mindset.”

Groups, clubs and organizations may also set up a private presentation by emailing Mitchell.

Bill Post, associate professor in the Department of Government and Justice Studies, has invited University Police on several occasions to speak to his classes, including the “Shots Fired” presentation.

“It is not designed to scare folks or create paranoia,” Post said. “Instead it is a straightforward discussion of these types of incidents and gives reasonable recommendations for students in case they are caught in one of these tragic events.”

These violent crimes are targeting innocent people in environments that would normally be safe, and this is “unfortunately” happening too often in today’s world, Post said.

“We hope that students will not have to use the information, but it’s worthwhile to educate and prepare just in case,” Post said.

Story: KASI MITCHELL, Intern News Reporter