SRO Active Shooter Response 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During an active shooter event in a crowded hallway, what is the SRO's FIRST priority upon arrival at the scene?
- Evacuate all students to a rally point
- Move toward the sound of gunfire to neutralize the threat (Correct answer)
- Establish a perimeter and wait for backup
- Treat the most critically wounded victims
Correct answer: Move toward the sound of gunfire to neutralize the threat
SROs are trained to immediately move toward the threat to stop the killing, as delay costs lives.
Question 2: Which radio communication practice is MOST critical for an SRO engaging an active shooter?
- Maintain radio silence to avoid tipping off the shooter
- Provide continuous updates on shooter location, description, and direction of travel (Correct answer)
- Call for EMS before engaging the threat
- Relay information only after the threat is neutralized
Correct answer: Provide continuous updates on shooter location, description, and direction of travel
Ongoing radio updates allow responding officers to coordinate and intercept the shooter effectively.
Question 3: A student pulls a fire alarm during an active shooter event. What is the primary danger of this action?
- It disables the school's PA system
- It forces students into hallways, exposing them to the shooter (Correct answer)
- It locks all classroom doors automatically
- It alerts the shooter that police have arrived
Correct answer: It forces students into hallways, exposing them to the shooter
Fire alarm protocols move people into open areas where they become vulnerable to an active shooter.
Question 4: When multiple officers arrive at an active shooter scene, how should a contact team be formed?
- Wait until a minimum of four officers are present before entry
- The first two officers form a contact team and move immediately toward the threat (Correct answer)
- The senior officer takes command and assigns roles before entering
- Officers enter individually from different access points simultaneously
Correct answer: The first two officers form a contact team and move immediately toward the threat
ALERRT and ILEA protocols call for a two-officer contact team to enter and advance without delay.
Question 5: An SRO encounters a wounded victim in a hallway while pursuing the shooter. What should the officer do?
- Stop and apply a tourniquet before continuing
- Mark the victim's location and continue toward the shooter (Correct answer)
- Call for EMS and remain with the victim until help arrives
- Move the victim into the nearest classroom for safety
Correct answer: Mark the victim's location and continue toward the shooter
The contact team's sole mission is neutralizing the threat; rescue teams following behind handle casualties.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the 'Plus One' concept in active shooter response?
- Always have one officer remain outside as a safety officer
- Assume there may be an additional shooter beyond the one identified (Correct answer)
- Add one extra magazine to standard load-out before entry
- Designate one officer to handle media and parent inquiries
Correct answer: Assume there may be an additional shooter beyond the one identified
The Plus One concept reminds officers to always plan for the possibility of a second, unidentified threat.
Question 7: After an active shooter is neutralized, what is the SRO's next immediate action regarding other officers arriving on scene?
- Begin conducting interviews with witnesses
- Holster the weapon and wave responders in to avoid friendly fire
- Announce the all-clear over the PA system
- Identify yourself clearly and comply with responding officers' commands (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Identify yourself clearly and comply with responding officers' commands
Responding officers do not know who is the threat; the SRO must identify themselves and follow commands to prevent friendly fire.
SRO Active Shooter Response 2
During an active shooter event in a crowded hallway, what is the SRO's FIRST priority upon arrival at the scene?