ALICE Protocols

Active Shooter Protocol (ALICE)

This protocol has been adopted by the Portsmouth School Department, Portsmouth Police and Fire Departments as the preferred method to utilize during an active shooter event.  Portsmouth Schools created an Emergency Operating Procedure (EOP) which includes courses of action that will describe how students and staff can most effectively respond to an Active Shooter situation.  No single response fits all active shooter situations however, making sure each individual knows their options for response and can react decisively will save valuable time.

Alert

• Initial report of an active threat can be put out by anyone.

• Provide as much intelligence as possible to as many people as possible (Students and Staff)

• Use any and all available means. (Text, PA system, Twitter, Facebook, Blackboard, etc.)

Lockdown

• Lock doors and windows.  

• Barricade with all available furniture in the room.  Don’t forget connecting doors.

• Close all window shades.

• Turn out the lights

• Move classroom occupants to an area within the room that is not visible upon initial inspection.

• Keep Quiet!

• Once in lockdown, no one enters or leaves for any reason until released by uniformed police personnel.

Inform

• Continue to update individuals within the critical incident by all means possible (text, PA, phone, blackboard, twitter)

• Use information to make single or collective decisions as to the best option for survival (i.e. If information received places the threat on the other side of the building and you can quickly and safely move from the school, do it)

• Be flexible.  The situation will be dynamic and fluid.

Counter

• Used as a last resort.

• Do not seek out the threat.

• If there is no other option available to you, fight.  Throw books, desks, lamps, etc.

• Create distance, noise, movement and distractions if faced with the attacker.

Evacuate

• If it is safe to do so, get out of the building and instruct students and staff to run.

• Move to the established reunification area for your school.

• Listen to law enforcement personnel on scene.

• Exit with hands up and in plain sight.

• Stay out of the roadways.

• Use any means necessary to escape.  Do not rely on doorways alone.  Break out windows if necessary.

Potential Scenarios