Situation awareness in active shooter events

Active shooter events require swift action. This study examines situation awareness during these incidents, focusing on how officers transition from less confrontational approaches to more confrontational, life-saving tactics. Using qualitative research based on observations from six active shooter training exercises, the study highlights key factors such as information, experience, and shared mental models that influence situation awareness. The findings reveal that while officers are willing to take risks, they often struggle to adopt the necessary speed and dominance needed to neutralize the threat effectively.