During an officer-involved shooting (OIS), which emotion can be experienced?

Fear is a common emotion experienced during an officer-involved shooting (OIS) due to the high-stress and life-threatening nature of the situation. In moments of extreme danger, such as a potential confrontation with an armed suspect, an officer's physiological response can trigger feelings of fear. This emotion is a natural response to a perceived threat and can impact an officer's decision-making and actions during the incident. Understanding this reaction is essential for training, as it helps prepare officers to manage their emotions effectively in high-stakes scenarios.

In contrast, excitement, complacency, and happiness may not appropriately capture the typical emotional response during such critical incidents. Excitement may arise in different contexts but is generally not the prevailing emotion during a life-threatening encounter. Complacency, which refers to a state of self-satisfaction and a lack of awareness of potential danger, is counterproductive in these high-stress environments. Similarly, happiness is unlikely to manifest during a dangerous situation where lives are at risk. Recognizing fear as a real emotional response aids in comprehensive training and tactics for law enforcement officers.