Which tactic should be employed when encountering a suspect during an active shooter situation?

In an active shooter situation, the priority is to mitigate the threat as quickly as possible to prevent further harm to innocent individuals. The correct approach involves locating the suspect and stopping the threat immediately. This tactic is crucial because active shooter scenarios typically involve ongoing violence, and every moment spent without neutralizing the threat can lead to additional casualties.

The emphasis on quickly addressing the situation reflects tactical best practices, where the first responders’ objective is to confront the shooter directly and effectively. It is essential for law enforcement to act decisively and engage the suspect to reduce the potential for harm.

In contrast, other options may lead to increased danger or ineffective responses. For instance, simply ignoring noise while attempting to evacuate does not address the immediate threat, and relying solely on negotiation in such a high-pressure, violent scenario is unrealistic. Moreover, while calling for backup is always advisable, securing the area should ideally follow the immediate action of confronting and neutralizing the shooter, not replace it. Each of these alternatives could delay response and potentially exacerbate harm to individuals in the vicinity.