In order to successfully respond to incidents, what should an officer maintain?

To successfully respond to incidents, an officer should maintain effective situational awareness skills because these skills enable them to perceive, comprehend, and anticipate potential threats and changes in their environment. Situational awareness involves being aware of the dynamics at play in a given scenario, including the behaviors of individuals, the layout of the area, and any emerging risks. By being attuned to these elements, an officer can make informed decisions, prioritize actions, and respond appropriately to evolving situations.

While factors like composure and calmness, strong leadership presence, and a strategic approach to positioning can also be beneficial during incidents, they do not encompass the comprehensive understanding of the environment and context that situational awareness provides. Effective situational awareness allows officers to navigate complex situations proactively rather than reactively, ensuring a more effective and safe response to incidents.