Safety and Security Update - May 2025

The Department of Public Safety consists of several divisions filled with dedicated people committed to your safety. As part of this commitment, our team distributes this quarterly newsletter sharing important updates, safety information and noteworthy events related to the protection and well-being of our campus community. Your safety is our number one priority - and it should be yours as well. Please take a moment to review this information and contact us at (502) 852-6111 if you have any questions, suggestions or concerns.

UofL Police Department

Scam Alert
ULPD is sharing information from the FBI regarding a scam where malicious persons are texting or calling individuals using contact information from current or former public officials. If you receive a call or message from someone known to you as a public official, do not assume it is legitimate. Instead, verify the identity of the sender through other means and never click on any links. More information is available here.

Emergency Management

Severe Weather Emergencies
Tornado season is here. Make sure you are signed up for RAVE alerts to notify you of impending severe weather impacting our campus communities. When bad weather strikes, you should move to the lowest accessible level of your building or into designated storm shelter areas, staying away from windows and exterior walls. If you find yourself in a large area with limited options, put as many walls between you and the outside as possible, and protect your body from potential debris.

Active Aggressor Preparation
For information on active aggressor or any other emergency preparedness training, please email Mindy Christian.

A recent increase in campus shootings serves as a valuable reminder to always be prepared. Mentally practicing and taking a few simple actions today can help you determine the safest course of action.

Some steps you should take before an active aggressor situation to better prepare are:

1.      Download the Card Armor app to your cellphone. (Free to download in the App Store and Google Play.) The mobile blue light feature can call our dispatchers with one push and activates the GPS so ULPD can find you.

2.      Sign up for RAVE to be notified if an active aggressor/shooter is on or near campus locations.

3.      Always know the name of the building and address where you are located, and at least two ways in and out of the building.

4.      Report suspicious behavior to ULPD dispatch at 502-852-6111. This may include persons who are acting obsessive about another person or entity, anyone fixating on previous shootings, or someone who seems out of place or is acting strangely around a building.

5.      Watch the "Run Hide Fight" video.

6.      It takes less than five minutes to bleed to death. Learn how to Stop the Bleed here.

7.      If you are visiting other facilities as part of your college experience, learn their response plans. For example, hospital and primary education facilities may have different procedures for active aggressor situations.

During an active shooter or active aggressor incident, split-second decisions may save your life. Following the guidelines in the "Run Hide Fight" video can help you understand the best options.

1.      RUN. If you can leave the building without crossing the attacker, then do so immediately. Remember windows and emergency exits. Leave all your belongings. Only call 911 when it is safe to do so.

2.      HIDE. If you can’t run, hide inside a room where you can close and lock/barricade doors, turn off the lights, silence your phone, hide behind protective objects and remain quiet.

3.      FIGHT. If you are left with no other options, formulate a quick plan, enlisting the help of others if possible, and fight the attacker using improvised weapons and a committed mindset. Always drop any weapons as soon police arrive and obey their commands.

Consider the following information after an active aggressor event:

1.      The building where the incident happened is a crime scene that will be locked down for several days.

2.      If you were in the building or have any information from a potential witness or survivors’ standpoint, it is crucial you contact the police department.

3.      A reunification site will be broadcasted immediately following the event. This is where the campus community can meet their families, talk to police officers and learn about next steps.

4.      Recognize these crimes are terrifying even if you were not directly involved. Seek help and reach out to others to build a support network.