In an active shooter response, what is the recommended action if officers are not trained or lack backup?

In the context of an active shooter response, the critical principle is to prioritize saving lives and preventing further harm. Engaging the threat is vital, even if officers feel unprepared or lack immediate backup, because the more time that elapses, the greater the risk to victims. Officers are trained to act without delay in crisis situations to neutralize the threat, as hesitation can lead to increased casualties.

While assessing the environment is important, it should not come at the cost of delaying engagement with the shooter. The urgency of the situation often dictates that waiting for backup is not a viable option, particularly when lives are at stake. Officers who are trained recognize the importance of addressing the threat as soon as feasible, employing their training to make informed decisions under pressure. Therefore, even in challenging circumstances, the protocol is to confront the shooter as soon as it is safe to do so, affirming the principle that immediate action is necessary to stop an ongoing attack.