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Midland College PD • Safety Protocols

Armed Subjects

1. If you witness any armed individual on campus at any time or if an individual is acting in a hostile or

   belligerent manner, immediately contact MCPD at (432) 685-4734.

2. If there is an armed subject on campus:
 • Contact MCPD at (432) 685-4734 with your location if possible.
 • Turn off all the lights and close and lock all windows and doors.
 • If you can do so safely, get all students on the floor and out of the line of fire.
 • Move to a core area of the building if safe to do so and remain there until an “all clear” instruction is given by

   an authorized known voice.
 • If the staff or students do not recognize the voice that is giving instruction, they should not change their status.
 • Unknown or unfamiliar voices may be misleading and designed to give false assurances.

3. If the armed subject comes into your class or office:
 • There is no one procedure the authorities can recommend in this situation.
 • Attempt to get the word out to other staff if possible, and call MCPD at (432) 685-4734 if that seems practical.
 • Use common sense. If hiding or fleeing is impossible, attempt to negotiate with the individual.
 • Attempting to overcome the armed subject with force is a last resort that should only be initiated in the most

   extreme circumstances.
 • Remember, there may be more than one active armed subject.
 • Wait for the “all clear” instruction.
 • Be careful not to make any changes to the scene of the incident since law enforcement authorities will

   investigate the area later.
 • In case you must flee, do not go to the normal gathering site for your building, but get as far away from the

   shooting scene as possible and then contact authorities.

 

Disruptive Individuals

1. Who is a disruptive individual?
 • An individual who makes threats of physical harm to you, others, or themselves.
 • An individual who has a weapon. Refer to armed subjects protocol.
 • An individual who behaves in a bizarre manner or exhibits unstable behavior patterns.
 • The individual who appears to be intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance.

2. What action should I take?
 • Contact MCPD at (432) 685-4734.
 • Give your name and campus location with a brief explanation of the situation.
 • Take note of the individual’s age, personal appearance, clothing, vehicle or any other information that

   would help identify the individual.

3. Express your authority with non-verbal cues:
 • Sit or stand erect
 • Square your shoulders
 • Smile and make eye contact
 • Speak clearly and distinctly
 • Maintain a constant voice volume — not too loud

4. Cues to avoid:
 • Do not touch your face
 • Observe the individual’s personal space — do not stand too close
 • Do not touch the person
 • Do not slouch, glare or sigh at the individual

5. Anger management tactics:
 • Get their attention: Use their name, ask them to sit down
 • Acknowledge their feelings: Paraphrase what they say so they will know you are listening
 • Get them moving: Offer a chair, move them to a private area if possible
 • Offer assistance: Use the word “we” to include them in the solution process
 • Tell them exactly what you can do for them and when
 • Offer an alternative if appropriate
 • Advise co-workers of the potential problem if possible
 • Call for aid immediately if you sense the situation is getting out of hand

 

Permission to reproduce these protocols was granted by University of Texas Police Department in Austin, Texas.

 

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The mission of the Midland College Police Department is to maintain a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors.

 

Room 136, Scharbauer Student Center
MC Main Campus, 3600 North Garfield 
Midland, TX 79705

Phone: 432-685-4734 or 432-686-4911
Fax: 432-685-6836