Which phase of an active shooter event is characterized by the suspect having made plans and committed to carrying out the act?

• A. Fantasy phase
• B. Implementation phase
• C. Preparation phase
• D. Approach phase

Answer: (D)

In this sequence of phases, the moment the suspect has moved from thinking and planning to actively moving toward the target is the approach phase. Here, the person has made the decision to act and is taking steps toward carrying out the act, which shows a clear commitment to the plan. This distinguishes it from the fantasy phase, where there’s imagination without real plans, and the preparation phase, where plans and logistics are worked out but the person hasn’t yet started toward the target. It also comes after the planning and before the actual execution, so the approach phase best fits the description of having made plans and committed to carrying them out.