In what phase is information about a barricaded subject typically gathered?

The process of gathering information about a barricaded subject is typically conducted during the observation phase. This is the stage where responders assess the situation by collecting as much relevant information as possible without engaging directly with the individual. During this phase, law enforcement and telecommunicators utilize various means to monitor the subject's behavior, establish a perimeter, and communicate with other units involved.

The goal of the observation phase is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the scenario, which includes identifying the subject’s location, potential hostages, weapons involved, and any previous history that might inform the response strategy. This intelligence gathering is crucial for making informed decisions in subsequent phases of the incident.

Other phases like containment focus on securing the immediate area, while the termination phase relates to resolving the situation, often after information has already been gathered. The approach phase involves moving closer to the subject, which is usually done after sufficient observation has occurred.