Greenville Utilities, in partnership with the Greenville Police Department, is offering a new two-hour, in-person active shooter training for employees, replacing the computer-based “Run, Hide, Fight” training.  

Based on recommendations from the Greenville Police Department, the CSI Active Shooter Ad-Hoc Committee chose “Avoid. Deny. Defend.” to replace “Run, Hide, Fight.” The new training removes the “hide” portion of the active shooter response and replaces it with “deny.”  

“In our meetings with the Greenville Police Department, we found out they had moved away from the ‘Run, Hide, Fight’ training,” said Jacob Swink, Electric Distribution Engineer and founding member of the CSI Active Shooter Ad Hoc Committee. 

“GPD said the hide part of that training was ineffective. The new training removes the hide and replaces it with deny. It is more tactical in its approach. Rather than hiding, it teaches how to deny access to the shooter by figuring out a way to keep the shooter out of the office or space.” 

Avoid. Deny. Defend. was created by the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Program at Texas State University. The ALERRT Center has trained more than 130,000 law enforcement officers in 50 states in active shooter response. The demand for civilian training on how to survive an active shooter situation inspired ALERRT to create “Avoid. Deny. Defend.” 

According to the ALERRT Center website, the training was developed as an easy-to-remember method for individuals to follow because they have seen that hiding and hoping isn’t a very effective strategy. 

Det. Adam Smith of the Greenville Police Department who leads the training for GUC staff said in an active shooter situation, “What you do matters.” 

In the past, GPD has held active shooter trainings for the police force at GUC facilities. Those trainings gave GPD an in-depth knowledge of the layout of GUC offices and buildings. That knowledge allowed GPD to customize the new training for GUC staff needs.   

“This training is more interactive,” Jacob said. “The trainers will go through real life instances and talk about what went right, what went wrong, and what could have been done differently.” 

GPD has also taken the time to walk through our facilities to offer guidance as to how to make our buildings more secure from potential threats. 

Jacob said that depending on where you are and what you do at GUC, an active shooter situation will present differently. This training is catered to the needs of each department to ensure that all employees are capable of responding effectively. 

The active shooter training will be available once a month until October of 2025 and at different facilities depending on where you work. Employees should only take one session.  

To enroll in this training, speak to your supervisor, department administrator, or the Safety Office.