In active attack situations, where ongoing deadly force is reasonably likely to be employed by a suspect(s) and delay in taking police action could result in injury or death, immediate action by officers at the scene is necessary when such actions are deemed reasonable to prevent further injuries or loss of life.

These documents provide protocols for assessing the threat and immediately responding during an active attack to limit serious injury or loss of life. While the term “active attack” is used throughout, these documents apply to all situations where there is an active assailant or assailants posing an ongoing deadly threat, to include, but not limited to, those from firearms, vehicles, explosives, and knives.