What is the definition of an active threat?

An active threat is defined as any incident that creates an immediate threat or presents imminent danger. This definition highlights the urgency and seriousness of the situation, where individuals are at risk of harm due to actions that may be criminal or violent in nature.

Understanding this concept is crucial for unarmed security officers, as they are trained to recognize, assess, and respond to such threats in order to protect themselves and others. For instance, an active shooter scenario is a clear example of an active threat, where there is a direct and immediate danger to people in the vicinity.

In contrast, incidents resulting from natural disasters, accidental events, or situations that do not involve a present danger do not meet the criteria for an active threat. Therefore, knowing how to identify an active threat empowers security professionals to take appropriate action, whether that involves alerting law enforcement, evacuating individuals, or attempting to mitigate the situation.