What is the objective of the reactive stance?

The objective of the reactive stance is primarily to protect officers from a physical assault. This stance is adopted in situations where officers anticipate a potential threat and need to maintain readiness to respond to an imminent danger. By taking a reactive posture, officers can quickly assess the environment and prepare to respond to aggressive actions, ensuring their safety as well as that of the public.

In contrast to other options, which may involve communication or presence, the reactive stance is specifically about prioritizing personal safety and positioning oneself to effectively respond to physical confrontations. Engaging verbally or facilitating negotiations can be part of an officer's broader strategy, but in a situation where there is an immediate physical threat, the primary concern is to mitigate that threat first and foremost.