Active Shooter Response Advice, From A Police Officer Who Has Been There

[@MikeMiasuki-vy3xx]

Listen up. Our agency got into on this active shooting training right away decades ago. We had a major exercise using swat people as bad guys, real students as victims and "simulated ammo in real guns". Safety was the biggest deal in each scenario. Guns were checked and re-checked. It was eye opening. Bottom line, we all agreed that there will be no time for a plan, there will be no three man bump or surround and contain. The first goes in and takes out the shooter (that was the plan). All of us in our area knew that (especially in the high school, most of the kids would not help us. Even the middle school had kid issues. I was surprised to see how much the elementary kids had been turned against the cops. I knew that if I had to respond, it might be my last day one way or the other but there is no one else to protect those kids. I made my mind up to take out the shooter as quickly as I could. I would wait for no one. I would mark "97" on the MDT and turn of my radio so as not to betray my position. I never had to respond, thank God, but I felt I was ready. Realize this parents, cops are the only ones who stand between you, your kids and very bad people. Cops: realize that most citizens will never, ever appreciate yo so don't expect it. Expect betrayal by the citizens and the Brass. But you are the "thin blue line". Sack up.

[@The10CodeMindset]

Thanks for commenting. As Allyn said, “Go do your job” 👍

[@Godblessamericahf1]

Im looking to joining a mid size city police dept next year and I have a fience, what should I tell her when I say I may have to get into these situations?

[@The10CodeMindset]

That you have trained and have continued to train to be the right person to respond to stop the suspect, save others, and increase your chances of returning home safely as well. I get it, it’s very tough. My wife knew I took training very seriously and that brought a bit more piece of mind. Best wishes to you getting on at an agency, and put that statement I typed out into action when you do become an officer