ABSTRACT
When street officers are dispatched to the scene of a violent assault or homicide, they routinely draw their service weapons on arrival at the location. Most homicide scenes are horrific in nature and therefore stressful for the responders; even seasoned officers reported being “scared to death” at gruesome murder scenes. The responding officers knew the offender might still be inside or near the premises, and their personal safety was at risk. Additionally, backup was not always available, and officers were often placed in situations where they had no alternative but to enter the premises on their own, locate the victims, and provide assistance. Upon entry, pairs of officers cleared each room in tandem until any direct threat was resolved. Only then would the officers holster their sidearms, cautiously attend to the victims, and search for evidence.
