What should a basically trained officer do in an active shooter incident regarding specially trained officers like SWAT?

In an active shooter incident, a specifically trained officer is expected to take immediate action to neutralize the threat rather than waiting for specialized teams such as SWAT. The rationale behind this approach is grounded in the principle of rapid response to minimize harm and save lives. When an active shooter is present, every second counts; therefore, officers are trained to assess the situation and engage as necessary to provide a swift and decisive response.

While specially trained officers like SWAT have advanced skills, their arrival might not occur in time to prevent further casualties. Basic officers are trained to act without delay to ensure the safety of victims and to stop the shooter if they are in a position to do so. The urgency of the situation requires immediate action, making it critical for officers to not wait for backup in such scenarios. Waiting could potentially allow the situation to worsen, resulting in more injuries or fatalities, which is why taking decisive action regardless of whether specialized units are available is emphasized in active shooter training.