When officers respond to an active shooter call, the decisions made in the first moments can determine outcomes. With lives on the line, readiness, teamwork, and situational awareness become critical. Police departments must prepare their officers with not only training and procedures, but also reliable tactical equipment that can stand up to high-stakes situations.
Here are four key strategies to guide officers responding to an active shooter event:
1. Stay Calm and Focused
The chaos of an active shooting scene can overwhelm even experienced officers. Maintaining composure is critical. Training should emphasize stress inoculation, helping officers remain mentally clear and mission-oriented during high-stress incidents.
Officers should take a moment to assess the scene, follow their training, and avoid reactive decision-making. Calm minds are better equipped to make sound tactical moves and respond appropriately as the situation unfolds.
2. Operate as a Cohesive Team
Team coordination is key to neutralizing threats while protecting civilians and fellow officers. Officers should clearly communicate their movements and adhere to established tactical formations. When possible, designated team leads should assign tasks, such as point, rear guard, and communications, to ensure maximum coverage and efficiency.
Trust among team members and a clear understanding of roles can prevent confusion and reduce risks in critical moments.
3. Note All Evacuation Routes
Before and during entry into any structure, officers should identify all available exit points—for civilians and for themselves. Situational awareness of stairwells, hallways, and exterior doors enables better control of movement and safer evacuations.
Whenever possible, designate officers to guide evacuees to safety while others engage the threat.
4. Invest in Quality Tactical Gear
Having the right tools makes all the difference. Every officer should be equipped with dependable tactical gear, including:
- Body-worn cameras
- Ballistic vests and helmets
- Tactical communication headsets
- High-lumen flashlights
- Entry tools and trauma kits
Argus Body-Worn Camera from Kustom Signals
Kustom Signals’ Argus Body-Worn Camera is a trusted solution that provides clear video evidence, seamless integration with evidence management systems, and automatic recording triggers.
Automatic recording triggers are essential for providing support to officers in stressful and dangerous situations. Events like running, weapon unholstering, and proximity automatically activate recording so officers can focus on the situation at hand and not worry about their body camera.
Argus BWC is designed with innovative technology offering essential features such as:
- High-definition video capture for clear, reliable evidence
- Field swappable battery for officers working long shifts or on extended patrols
- One-touch activation to ensure officers can easily start recording during critical situations
- Secure data storage to ensure video footage is safely saved and protected
- Advanced cloud connectivity for seamless upload and access to footage from any device
- AI-trained alerts sent back to administrators (when 4G LTE is enabled) to allow them to livestream the triggered camera to get an assessment of the situation at hand
In high-risk scenarios like active shooter events, body-worn cameras not only help document officer actions but also support after-action reviews and court proceedings.
Kustom Signals Is Here to Help You Be Prepared & Protected
Active shooter incidents require split-second decisions, tight coordination, and dependable gear. Law enforcement agencies that prioritize officer training and invest in the right technology are better positioned to save lives and control chaos.
For guidance on equipping your department with advanced policing tools, from body cameras to RADAR solutions, contact Kustom Signals. Our experienced team is here to help your officers respond with confidence and clarity when it matters most.