What should you do when law enforcement arrives during a crisis?

When law enforcement arrives during a crisis, remaining calm and following the officers' instructions is essential for several reasons. First, officers are trained to assess situations quickly and determine the necessary actions to ensure safety for everyone involved. By adhering to their guidance, you can facilitate a smoother resolution to the crisis.

Following instructions helps prevent further complications, such as misunderstanding the situation or inadvertently putting yourself or others at risk. It also demonstrates cooperation, which can ease tensions and help officers assess the situation more effectively. Being calm allows you to process information clearly and communicate effectively, which is crucial in high-stress scenarios.

Raising hands and spreading fingers is often a tactic employed to convey non-threatening behavior, but in a high-stress environment, providing clear and cooperative interactions is generally more effective. Running towards officers may create confusion or be misinterpreted as a threat, which can escalate the situation. Screaming could also lead to panic and disrupt communication among those present. Therefore, the most effective response when law enforcement arrives is to remain calm and follow their directions.