Which of the following is NOT a recommended Pre Response action?

• A. Develop a working strategy
• B. Be ready to step up and step in
• C. Take "tactical pauses" when possible
• D. Ignore preliminary information

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is building informed situational awareness before acting. Before engaging in a potentially volatile scene, you gather preliminary information to guide your approach. Knowing who is involved, what’s triggering the escalation, what the environment looks like, and what resources are available shapes your strategy, timing, and the techniques you use. This information helps you set a clear objective, decide how to communicate, and plan a safe course of action.

Developing a working strategy matters because it gives you a concrete plan rather than a reactive impulse. It helps you outline goals, decide what de-escalation techniques to try, and establish roles or back-up if the situation shifts.

Being ready to step up and step in matters because there are times when a calm, capable presence or decisive action is needed to prevent harm and coordinate safety for everyone involved.

Taking tactical pauses when possible is valuable because pausing reduces rapid, emotional reactions, allows more information to surface, and creates space for reasoned, calmer communication.

Ignoring preliminary information is not recommended because it erodes safety and effectiveness. Without context—such as potential risks, triggers, or nearby bystanders—you’re more likely to miss warning cues, misjudge the level of threat, choose inappropriate language or tactics, and miss chances to apply the most effective de-escalation techniques.