policemedic
Verified SWAT
This isn't just a problem off-duty-
I loved all the pics/video on the Va Tech shooting. It was a bunch of LEOs taking cover behind trees, cars, etc OUTSIDE while shots rang out from inside. I'm sure they were waiting for the situation to develop/waiting for backup/waiting for the word from higher/etc. Newsflash, you were the damn backup- good job.
If you are an LEO and are questioning what you would have done in this scenario, here's my perspective- you're paid to confront danger, the average citizen is not. You have the potential to be in a war zone at anytime, so do what every good soldier overseas does- realize that today might be the day, but regardless of that fact, you're going to do your damn job.
So here's my recommended course of action-
Be a warrior for a day (or at least just a few minutes), gain a tactical advantage and send that loser to hell. Don't wait for the situation to develop- develop the situation- reactive vs. proactive. The second you become reactive, you're a step behind- get inside his loop and beat him.
I think the answer for an active shooter is to be more active than he is.
Active shooters claim a lot of reactive/passive victims.
Spot on. Awesome post.