University Police shares training resources; hosting Sept. 16 self-defense training

The WVU Police Department provides our campus community with a variety of free training resources designed to provide you with information and tools to protect yourself in case of emergency.

UPD offers three main trainings, focusing on active shooter preparedness, verbal de-escalation, and self-defense:

• Our Active Shooter training was developed to provide participants with guidance on how to prepare for and respond to active shooter crisis situations. While we never want anyone to be in the presence of an active shooter, our University community must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to stay as safe as possible. This training can be customized to meet your group’s needs, such as focusing on a specific area of campus or building you may frequently work or study in.
• The Verbal De-escalation courseteaches the skills needed to successfully mitigate tense situations during conflicts. Whether you often encounter tough conversations or want to gain more confidence during interpersonal conflicts, this training provides participants with knowledge to create a safe environment for all participants to feel heard, seen, and acknowledged.
• P.R.O.T.E.C.T. is an immersive self-defense training that uses hands-on demonstrations to provide participants with the skills needed to recognize a threat, escape an attack, and get to a safe place to call for help. Participants will learn striking techniques, takedowns, and escape holds and will gain information on developing situational awareness.

Trainings are available to campus groups at no cost. If interested, submit a training request for your campus group.

UPD also hosts open trainings on select dates to provide additional training opportunities for those who may not have the opportunity to participate in a training with a campus group.

UPD will host the semester’s first open P.R.O.T.E.C.T. training on Tuesday, Sept. 16, for any interested students, faculty, staff, and Morgantown community members. The training will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. in room 101 of the Student Health Building, located near the Student Rec Center. UPD recommends that participants wear comfortable, athletic clothing.

Space is limited, and registration is required. Reserve your spot here.

To learn more about UPD, visit our website police.wvu.edu. Download the LiveSafe app and turn on push notifications for direct and discreet two-way communication with police. To receive alerts about emergencies and incidents on or near campus, register for the WVU Alert system.

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