Crime in Progress

Persons with a Gun or Dangerous Weapon

A.     Request Law Enforcement Response Immediately

1.     Develop a plan of operation.

• • Be flexible. Plan ahead while on patrol.
  • Provide coordination between dispatch and other units.
  • Determine if students, staff or visitors are at risk.

2.     The officer should get to the scene quickly, quietly, and only if you can safely.

• • Turn radio volume down.
  • Do not rattle keys or loose objects.
  • Do not slam doors.
  • Keep an escape route open.
  • Do not unduly alarm persons in the area with an overzealous approach.

3.     First officer at the scene should:

• • Take position to best observe and control the scene.
  • Determine as soon as possible who has the gun and why.
    • Was the gun brought to campus in anger, for revenge, etc.?
    • Was the gun brought to campus to "show off" to friends?
    • Advise dispatch and responding units of arrival and give specific location.
    • Make a silent approach on foot, effectively using cover and concealment.
    • Communicate and coordinate with other officers to contain suspect(s) and prevent escape, if it can be accomplished safely, and to eliminate or diminish injuries to others.
    • Request additional resources if necessary and available.
    • You are not expected to confront the assailant directly, only to provide intelligence if possible.

B.     Arrival at the scene

1.     Officers should use invisible deployment techniques, making maximum use of cover and concealment without being detected by persons inside.

2.     Be observant for suspects and other accomplices.

3.     If appropriate, re-contact reporting party and try to determine any relevant or new information.

4.     Determine if there are any injuries and summon assistance accordingly.

C.    If shooting is observed

1.     Maintain invisible deployment while using cover.

2.     Communicate actions observed.

D.    Contact with suspect(s)

1.     Officer should avoid contact with an armed subject it possible. Approach only if safe. Wait for local law enforcement, as this is a police response situation.

2.     Maintain cover and be deliberate in action.

3.     Be aware of a possible hostage situation.

4.     Direct suspect to a position that allows the officers to establish control and protect bystanders.

5.     Control and secure suspect(s): Complete a safe detention and thorough search of the suspect without endangering self, other officers or bystanders.

6.     Determine if there are other suspects, weapons, explosives, etc.

E.     If the suspect(s) has/have fled prior to the officer's arrival

 The primary officer should be at the crime scene and request additional backup if needed. Other officers should observe escape routes and handle other tactical considerations.