FREE 911 Operator Test Active Shooter Response Questions and Answers

Question 1

During an active shooter event, what is the primary initial instruction a 911 operator should give to a caller who is in immediate danger but cannot safely escape?

Accepted Answer

Instruct them to find cover/concealment and remain quiet.

Answer

Advise them to attempt to disarm the shooter if possible.

Answer

Tell them to gather other potential victims to a secure location.

Answer

Encourage them to call out to the shooter to distract them.

Question 2

A 911 operator receives a frantic call reporting an active shooter inside a local mall. The caller is hiding in a store and can hear gunshots. What is the MOST critical piece of information the operator should attempt to obtain first, if safe to do so?

Accepted Answer

The shooter's location and description.

Answer

The shooter's motive.

Answer

The exact number of victims.

Answer

The type of weapon being used.

Question 3

Which of the following describes the most appropriate method for a 911 operator to handle calls from multiple individuals reporting the same active shooter incident?

Accepted Answer

Gather unique, corroborating, or updated information from each caller, cross-referencing details.

Answer

Place all subsequent callers on hold until the initial caller's information is fully documented.

Answer

Advise subsequent callers that the incident is already being handled and release them.

Answer

Transfer all subsequent calls directly to law enforcement officers on scene.

Question 4

A 911 operator is taking information from a caller hiding during an active shooter event. The caller states they are safe but can see the shooter moving towards another area of the building. What should the operator's immediate next instruction or question be?

Accepted Answer

"What is the shooter's current direction of travel and specific location?"

Answer

"Can you describe the shooter's clothing and appearance?"

Answer

"Are there any other victims near your location?"

Answer

"Do you know if the building has multiple exits?"

Question 5

When instructing a caller who is hiding during an active shooter event, which advice should the 911 operator prioritize to ensure the caller's safety and aid responders?

Accepted Answer

Silence their cell phone and remain out of sight.

Answer

Keep cell phone ringer on high volume to hear incoming calls.

Answer

Attempt to make eye contact with the shooter if they pass by to gather details.

Answer

Text friends and family about their status to reduce external calls to 911.

Question 6

In a school active shooter scenario, a 911 operator receives a call from a teacher who is locked down in a classroom with students. The teacher reports hearing knocking at the door. What is the most appropriate instruction the operator should give?

Accepted Answer

"Do not open the door; assume it could be the shooter until law enforcement confirms their presence."

Answer

"Open the door slightly to see who it is before letting them in."

Answer

"Instruct the students to be ready to rush the door if it's the shooter."

Answer

"Ask who is at the door and verify their identity through the door."