Ways to protect yourself, others while on campus

TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — The Troy University Police Department (TUPD) says it is working tirelessly to prepare for any potential campus threats.

“We make sure that, not only in house, we’re utilizing our simulator system to do a lot of in-house training. Recently, we’ve sent one of our officers, Officer Garrett, to become an active shoot instructor,” said TUPD Chief George Beaudry.

Preparedness for active threats doesn’t stop at just law enforcement. Beaudry says it’s important for the public to pay attention and be prepared as well.

”Keep your eyes open, keep your head up. Stay out of your phone while you’re walking around,” Beaudry explained.

In the past few weeks, Troy University has issued three immediate shelter in place alerts.

Two came from one weekend where there were two shootings in Troy. The other one, that happened most recently, was from a report of a person having a gun near the Newman Center dorms.

None of those situations resulted in any mass injuries or deaths. However, Beaudry wants people to know that the incidents you see on the news can happen anywhere to anyone.

”Every community that has had an active shooting incident has turned around, within hours, and said I never thought that could happen here,” Beaudry said. “If you live in a world where you don’t think that could happen, you need to broaden your horizon, you need to start thinking and consider, not only can it happen right here where I am, but what will I do when it does happen.”

When paying attention to your surrounding and looking for potential danger signs, Beaudry says be on the look out for people wearing clothing that doesn’t match the environment and season, drastic behavior and appearance changes, and a sudden fascination and interest in weapons.

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If anyone spots these signs and feel like they are in danger, they are advised to call 911 or TUPD’s non-emergency line at 334-70-3215.

If there is ever an active threat around you, Beaudry advises people to run, hide and fight.