What is a tactical pause primarily used for?

A tactical pause is primarily used to assess and plan next actions during a situation that requires law enforcement intervention. This type of pause offers officers the opportunity to gather information, evaluate ongoing circumstances, and devise a strategy for the next steps. In dynamic and potentially volatile situations, taking a moment to reassess can enhance the effectiveness and safety of operations by allowing officers to respond more appropriately to any developments that may arise.

While allowing officers to rest may seem beneficial, a tactical pause is more focused on strategic assessment than physical recuperation. Regrouping after an arrest may be a part of the process, but it does not encompass the broader purpose of reassessing the tactical scenario. Running surveillance is a specific operation that may occur before or during active engagement but does not align with the strategic nature of a tactical pause, which emphasizes planning and evaluation rather than direct action or observation.