Policy Text
CONCORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
ACTIVE THREAT
GENERAL ORDER: 05.04 CREATED: June 2 9, 2018 ISSUE DATE: January 22, 2024
CALEA: 46.1.10 EFFECTIVE DATE: January 22, 2024
ACTION: Amends general order dated October 1 , 2022.
05.04 .0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this general or der is to guide the systematic, swift, and coordinated
response to an active threat situation by utilization of rapid deployment tactics in order
to confront and neutralize aggressive deadly behavior while protecting and preserving
human life .
05.04 .1 POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Concord Police Department that in active threat situations ,
where ongoing deadly force is being used or is likely to be used by a suspect and delay in
taking law enforcement action could result in injury or death, that immediate action by
officers at the scene be taken as necessary to stop the threat and prevent further injuries
or loss of life .
05.04 .2 DEFINITIONS
A. ACTIVE SHOOTING
An incident where o ne or more subjects participate in a random or systematic
shooting spree demonstrating an intent to harm others. The overriding objective of
the shooter (s) is to cause mass casualties and/or mass murder rather than other
criminal conduct, such a s robbery, hostage taking, etc.
B. ACTIVE SHOOTER
An individual(s) actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined
and populated area.
C. ACTIVE THREAT
Any deliberate incident that poses a danger or an immediate or imminent danger of
serious bodily harm or death to others. Although these events often involve the use
of firearms by perpetrators, they may also involve the use of other type s of weapons
or implements with the intent to cause harm.
D. CASUALTY COLLECTION POINT
A secured area where victims may be assembled for basic treatment of life -
threatening injuries while awaiting transport from the location of the incident and
should have officers providing security if practicable.
General Order 05.04 ACTIVE THREAT Page 2 of 7
E. CLEARED AREA
Area in which law enforcement has conducted a rapid, protective sweep where no
obvious threats have been identified or neutralized. Victims may or may not be
present in a clear ed area.
F. CONTACT TEAM
The first officer(s) at the scene of an active shooting are tasked with locating the
suspect(s) and stopping the threat.
G. IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE (IED)
A device which is fabricated in an improvised manner incorporating explosives,
destructive or lethal chemical fillers that is placed or delivered and designed to kill,
destroy, disfigure, harass or distract.
H. INCIDENT COMMANDER (IC)
The officer , rega rdless of rank, who takes charge at the scene of an active shooting
or threat incident.
I. OFFICER
For purposes of this general order, the term “officer” includes any sworn law
enforcement personnel of any rank that may respond to the scene of an active
shoot ing incident .
J. RAPID DEPLOYMENT
The swift and immediate deployment of law enforcement resources to ongoing, life
threatening situation where a delayed deployment could otherwise result in death or
great bodily injury to innocent perso ns.
K. RESCUE TASK FORCE (RTF)
An organized team of law enforcement officers and fire personnel who make entry
after a contact team to provide first aid to the injured and evacuate persons from a
hostile environment.
L. SECURED AREA
Area in which law enforcement has conducted a thorough search and threats are not
found or have been neutralized. Law enforcement will maintain a continual security
presence in a secured area if practicable .
M. ZONES
1. HOT ZONE
Area where there is a known hazard or threat to life that is potentially direct and
immediate to include any uncontrolled area where the active shooter could
directly engage others. This is a “law enforcement only” zone.
General Order 05.04 ACTIVE THREAT Page 3 of 7
2. WARM ZONE
Area where there are no direct or immediate threats, but a potential threat can
exist or emerge. This area may be considered cleared but not secured. This can
be a zone for RTF operations.
3. COLD ZONE
Area where there is little or no threat of harm, which may include the outside of
a buildin g, or an area law enforcement has secured where it is safe to conduct
operations.
05.04 .3 ACTIVE SHOOTER
Individuals that engage in incidents classified as active shooter situations may exhibit
the following characteristics:
A. The arrival of emergency personnel may not hinder their continued attack;
B. Traditional police strategies employed may not suffice (e.g. negotiations);
C. May also employ other types of weapons during their attacks (e.g. knives, IED);
D. May plan attacks in any location private or public;
E. Often utilize body armor and may deploy some type of IED as a diversion;
F. Often armed with high powered “assault” style weapons;
G. Often are suicidal during the course of their actions, either by law enfo rcement action
or by a self -inflicted wound.
05.04 .4 INCIDENT PRIORITIES
A. The top priority in an active shooter situation shall be to contain and stop the shooter
to minimize additional casualties or victims.
1. The responding officer (s) shall determine if