After “Shots Fired”

Preplan for the immediate aftermath. While we preplan and train for the event, preparing for immediate post-event thinking and behavior is essential for continued safety and professionalism.

Scan. After you have fired your weapon, assess the scene and yourself. Scan the scene as you breathe, looking for other possible assailants.

Consider a tactical reload if there is a lull in the action.

Communicate with the suspect. For example, “Stay down! I want your arms out, palms up, and don’t move.”

Communicate with other officers, people at the scene and with police dispatch or 911.

Plan your approach to secure the suspect if a police officer. However, DO NOT BE IN A HURRY! As a civilian wait for police to arrive. Do not approach the suspect.

A downed suspect does not necessarily equate to being out of the gunfight!

For police while your partner covers the suspect, approach the suspect and secure the suspect/weapon(s), search suspect, identify and attend to the injuries of the suspect. (This is what is amazing, that good guys/gals vigorously try to save the lives of people who just tried to kill them. Keep up the good work!). For civilians cover the suspect until police arrive.

Check yourself for injuries. Due to adrenaline, it is possible to be injured seriously and not even know it.

Keep the faith and keep your head down,

Reno