When multiple subjects are present, what is a priority for the primary officer?

Maintaining a position relative to the subject is crucial for the primary officer's safety and the successful management of a situation involving multiple subjects. By doing so, the officer can effectively monitor the movements and actions of all subjects, ensuring they can react appropriately to any emerging threats or changes in behavior. This positioning allows for better control of the scenario, enabling the officer to communicate with the subjects, assess their intentions, and make informed decisions about necessary actions.

While engaging each subject individually might seem important, it's often impractical and can lead to increased risk if the officer loses sight of the group's dynamics. Ignoring outside distractions is essential for focus, but situational awareness includes recognizing all individuals involved, not just the immediate threats. Requesting backup is indeed a critical consideration, but the priority remains on maintaining control of the situation through effective positioning to ensure that the officer can respond swiftly and safely to potential conflicts.