WSUPD to conduct active assailant drill; review of WSU Alert terminology

The Wayne State University Police Department (WSUPD) will conduct a scenario-based active assailant training exercise on Wednesday, March 18, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Alex Manoogian Hall, 906 W. Warren. The building will be closed to the public and for university business for the duration of the exercise.

During the drill, members of the campus community may notice police vehicles with lights and sirens in the Warren and N. Lodge area. Portions of Warren Avenue may be intermittently closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Individuals may also see armed officers or "injured individuals" being evacuated from the building. These activities are part of the planned training exercise and do not represent a real emergency.

WSUPD regularly conducts scenario-based training to ensure officers are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of an active assailant situation. Exercises like this help strengthen coordination, communication and response strategies designed to protect the campus community.

Understanding WSU Alert instructions

We all play a part in ensuring campus safety by knowing what steps to take in various crisis situations. Wayne State uses standardized WSU Alerts to provide clear, direct instructions during emergencies. When you receive an alert, read it carefully and follow the directions provided. Different situations require different responses, and updates will be shared as new information becomes available. Always follow specific instructions from university police or emergency personnel, even if they differ from general guidance.

Below are key terms used in WSU Alerts:

All Clear

An official notification from the university or law enforcement that the emergency has ended and normal activities may resume.

Avoid the Area

Police or emergency personnel are responding to a situation. Additional traffic or crowds could interfere with their work. Maintain normal activity but stay clear of the identified area.

Evacuate

Leave the building or area immediately due to a safety risk. Follow posted exit routes or instructions from emergency personnel. Do not use elevators unless directed. Move to a safe distance and wait for further instructions.

Shelter in Place

There may be a risk to public safety near a particular area or building.

Stay where you are. If you are in a residence hall room, remain there. If you are in a classroom, stay in the classroom. If you are outside, move indoors. If you are not on campus, avoid the area.

If the threat is weather-related, move to an interior room and avoid exterior windows or glass. Remain sheltered until police cancel the order or provide updated instructions.

Lockdown

There is a serious threat to safety and emergency operations are ongoing.

Stay where you are and secure your location by locking doors and windows. Move out of sight, turn off lights, silence cell phones and remain quiet. Do not open doors until contacted by police or until an all-clear is issued.

Run, Hide, Fight

This guidance applies only during active threat situations when there is an immediate danger in your vicinity.

• Run: Evacuate as quickly as possible. Leave belongings behind. Identify the safest exit and, once safe, call WSUPD at 313-577-2222.
• Hide: If escape is not possible, find a secure location out of the attacker's view. Lock or barricade doors, turn off lights and silence your phone. Remain quiet until law enforcement arrives.
• Fight: As a last resort, if you cannot run or hide, defend yourself using available objects and act decisively until police arrive.

Preparedness and awareness are key components of campus safety. The March 18 training exercise is one way WSUPD ensures readiness, while understanding WSU Alert terminology helps every member of the campus community respond quickly and appropriately in an emergency.