Do students know what to do if there is an active shooter?

Published by May 9, 2018 | By Estefani Hernandez

Lt. Gorman speaks about what to do when there is an active shooter. Photos by Estefani Hernandez.

Would you know what to do if there was an active shooter? Lt. Gorman states to always look around you. Find the nearest exits. First response should be to escape.

“Your number one priority should be getting away, so knowing your exits is very important.”

If for some reason you can’t escape from the shooter, hide. Find a room, lock the door if you can and hide.

The last option you have is to fight back.

The Kean University Department of Public Safety/Police conducted an Active Shooter Campus Safety presentation on April 17th.

Throughout the presentation, Lieutenant Michael J. Gorman, focuses on what to do if an active shooter takes fire. Although there have been no incidents at Kean University the police department emphasizes on always being prepared.

This is a topic that can scare plenty of people but, truth is the more prepared you are, the better your chances are of survival.

Students benefited from this presentation and got to know the Kean Police.

Kean University Public Safety Department. Photos by Estefani Hernandez.

“I felt very comfortable with how he was very open with us,” stated Sylvanna Legall, freshman. “It makes me feel better knowing that we have actual police officers here, and they actually wanna make sure were okay.”

“What’s really important is the communication, and opening up. Letting the community know that they can approach us,” stated Lt. Gorman. “We are capable and equipped to deal with these certain situations.”

Lt. Gorman went into detail on the psychological mentality of the shooter, and the effect that you can have on them.

“If you fight back, it’ll completely throw him off,” states Kean Police, “he doesn’t expect you to put up a fight. They expect you to be scared.”

When the police arrive, they want to make sure that suspect is not in the room. “This is not the time for conversation,” said Lt. Gorman. Always put your hands up to show the police that you are not carrying anything.

These steps could save your life, and we have the opportunity to stop this before it happens. So if you see anything suspicious don’t be afraid to call the Kean Police Department.