What to do in case of active shooter
By Ava Uhlack, September 30, 2025
Nineteen people died and 84 suffered injuries in 53 school shootings in the first nine months in 2025, according to CNN.
In light of the recent school shooting events in Utah and Colorado that occurred just three weeks ago, Cal Poly Pomona wants to remind the community of the California State University’s activeshooter event protocol set in place to protect students, faculty and staff.
According to Jose Plasencia, a lieutenant with the University Police Department, when faced with an active shooter incident, students should remember the phrase, “run, hide, fight.”
If there was an active shooter on campus, everybody should first run, if possible, to escape the vicinity. When escaping is not possible,, finding a place to hide, like a closed room,. would be the next step. Fighting with a shooter is only advised if absolutely necessary.
According to Plasencia, if you are forced to hide, you should make yourself non-existent and make no noise.
“That is the generally accepted practice by the Chancellor’s Office,” said Plasencia. “We would direct everyone to our UPD website where they can quest to have an active shooter and emergencyresponse training.”
In circumstances where large groups may need medical attention, it is useful to memorize information such as blood type, medical allergies or prior medical conditions to assist medical professionals, Plasencia said.
In the event of a shooter, CPP will activate its Emergency Operations Center, Director of Media Relations at CPP Cynthia Peters said.
There is a standing designated room as an EOC, but, according to Arlett Carmona, manager of Emergency Management and Continuity, additionally there is hot-EOC, which refers to the university being able to get the EOC up and running in little to no time.
Carmona will activate the center, reaching out to the EOC team comprised of inter–disciplinary CPP staff who will have the ability to address all aspects of the community.
Peters said in the case of an active shooter, the EOC would be immediately activated.
“Communications will step in and help with any additional messaging that goes out to campus and set up the web page,” Peters said. “We will make sure all the information is getting out to students in a timely manner.”
According to Peters, these messages would be sent to phones, emails and pop up onto campus computers.
Carmona said other services like Counseling and Psychological Services would also play an important role.
“In this event, we are responding to something that is happening in real-time but also looking at long-term recovery,” Carmona said. “Mental health services, counseling services, and looking to make a place for students to grieve and find a place of community.”
According to Plasencia, UPD has direct communication with local firefighters and EMS personnel and has meetings with their local tactical response team for LA county. Additionally, UPD has partnerships with allied agencies to provide additional assistance for high– scale events.
According to Plasencia, UPD participates in frequent training to enhance its skills and manage high scale events.
Staff and faculty are now required to annually complete emergency training on active shooter protocol and natural disasters, such as earthquakes.
On the UPD website, community members can request training for active shooter or general emergency management courses. This resource is available for students, employee groups, clubs and departments.
“Preparedness for any scenario whether man-made or a natural disaster is the same,” said Carmona. “Be aware of your surroundings and make sure you’re thinking about what you’re going to do ahead of time. By the time something is happening, it’s too late.”
Feature image courtesy of Fox 43
