What should occupants be instructed to do when law enforcement arrives during an Active Shooter response?

In an Active Shooter situation, when law enforcement arrives, it is crucial for occupants to follow their instructions and raise their hands with fingers spread apart. This action serves multiple important purposes. Firstly, raising hands is a universal sign of surrender, allowing law enforcement to quickly identify individuals as non-threatening. This helps prevent misunderstanding or accidental harm during a high-stress and chaotic situation where officers may be responding to genuine threats.

Furthermore, spreading fingers allows law enforcement to clearly see that no weapons are being held, enhancing the safety of both the officers and the occupants. Effective communication and cooperation with law enforcement are vital in ensuring everyone's safety and support the prompt apprehension of the threat.

While hiding or attempting to run away might seem like reasonable responses, they can complicate the situation. Occupants who hide may not be located by police, and running may lead to confusion or mistaken identity in a tense environment. Therefore, following law enforcement's directives significantly reduces the risk of harm and enhances overall safety during an active threat response.