The following message was sent to the campus community by Chief of Police Robert Reese on Nov. 28, 2016: 

Good afternoon Campus community,

You may have seen the news from earlier today that there was an incident at The Ohio State University. First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire OSU community who’ve been impacted by this tragedy.

Unfortunately, these moments have become far too common. And that means that we, as the CofC community, must be ready to respond if a similar situation should occur on our campus.

In cases of an active shooter or an armed individual, we, at the College, follow the protocol of Run. Hide. Fight. And you would see that messaging in our Cougar Alert response as we ask you to find shelter or avoid the area. Here’s a breakdown of Run. Hide. Fight.:

 RUN – When a hostile intruder is in your vicinity:
• If there is an escape path, attempt to evacuate.
• Evacuate whether others agree to or not.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Help others escape if possible.
• Prevent others from entering the area.
• Call 911 when you are safe.

HIDE – If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide.
• Lock and/or blockade the door.
• Silence your cell phone.
• Hide behind large objects.
• Remain very quiet.

FIGHT – As a last resort, and only if your life is in danger:
• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
• Act with physical aggression.
• Improvise weapons.
• Commit to your actions.

In order to better familiarize yourself with Run. Hide. Fight., please take a moment to watch a short video (funded by the Department of Homeland Security) regarding an active shooter (i.e., hostile intruder) scenario housed on our website: http://publicsafety.cofc.edu/staying-safe/videos/index.php.

TRIGGER WARNING: this video shows graphic violence.
I also encourage everyone to make sure their contact information is current on the Cougar Alert System. For instructions on updating your information and/or how to add your information to the Cougar Alert System, please go to http://emergency.cofc.edu/cougaralert/.

Sincerely,
Robert Reese
Chief of Police
Department of Public Safety
College of Charleston