A solo officer should make a direct entry into an Active Shooting crisis except under which condition?

A solo officer should avoid making a direct entry into an active shooting situation when there are no sounds or signs of an ongoing threat. This is because the absence of sounds can indicate a variety of potential scenarios. It may mean that the shooter is no longer active, which could create a false sense of security; however, it could also indicate that the situation is very volatile or that the shooter is waiting for an opportunity to ambush responders.

In active shooter situations, the urgency to neutralize the threat is paramount, but doing so without assessing the scene adequately is dangerous. If an officer enters without sounds or signs of threat, they could step into a trap or compromise their safety and that of others, including potential victims. Thus, a cautious approach is warranted when sounds are absent, ensuring that the officer is aware of all possible variables before taking action.