Which communication method is recommended during an active shooter incident among security personnel?

During an active shooter incident, effective communication is critical for coordinating responses and ensuring the safety of personnel and civilians. Hand signals and radios are recommended because they allow for silent and immediate communication. In high-stress situations, verbal communication can become chaotic, and relying on loudspeakers may draw attention from the shooter, potentially endangering lives.

Using radios is particularly advantageous as they enable clear, discreet communication among security personnel, which is essential for quickly relaying information about the shooter’s location, movements, and any other critical updates. Hand signals complement radio communication well, especially in noisy environments where voices may not be heard clearly.

Mobile phones, while useful in many situations, can be slow and may not work reliably during emergencies due to network congestion. Written messages are also impractical in real-time situations where rapid responses are necessary, as they take time to communicate and may lead to confusion. Therefore, the combination of hand signals and radios stands out as the most effective method for communication in an active shooter scenario.