Which tragic event prompted changes in police tactics regarding active shooter situations?

The Columbine High School shooting in 1999 was a pivotal event that led to significant changes in police tactics for responding to active shooter situations. Prior to this incident, law enforcement protocols often emphasized containment and establishing a perimeter to handle such situations. However, the events at Columbine demonstrated that immediate intervention could be crucial in saving lives during an active shooter scenario.

During the Columbine shooting, the delay in engaging the shooters allowed more harm to occur, raising awareness about the necessity for officers to take decisive action rather than waiting for specialized units. Subsequently, law enforcement agencies adopted the "Active Shooter Response" model, which emphasizes rapid response, immediate engagement of the shooter, and prioritization of rescuing potential victims.

This tragic event led to extensive training and revised policies aimed at ensuring that officers are prepared to confront an active shooter as quickly as possible, ultimately changing the landscape of tactical responses for such critical incidents.