What should an officer assume about a suspect regarding weapons?

An officer should assume that every suspect may be armed as a standard precaution. This mindset is rooted in ensuring personal safety and the safety of others during encounters. By preparing for the possibility that a suspect possesses a weapon, officers can remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate danger.

This principle is central to police training and procedures, emphasizing risk assessment and threat management. The assumption that a suspect could be armed promotes a proactive rather than reactive approach, leading to more careful interactions and potentially saving lives.

Other approaches, such as considering suspects usually disarmed, believing weapons are typically visible, or suggesting that officers should not worry about weapons, can lead to complacency and increase the risk of surprise attacks. Each of these alternatives underrepresents the unpredictability of situations officers may face, highlighting the importance of maintaining a cautious and prepared mindset in law enforcement.