What is a reactionary gap?

A reactionary gap refers to the strategic distance maintained between law enforcement personnel and a potential threat, allowing for an effective response to any sudden aggressive actions that may occur. Maintaining this distance is crucial for the officer to assess the situation, plan a response, and, if necessary, take defensive measures or use force if warranted. By keeping this gap, the officer can react to a subject's movements and potentially de-escalate a situation before it escalates into direct confrontation.

This concept is especially important in various defensive tactics and law enforcement scenarios, where timing is critical, and being too close to a threat can lead to disadvantages or safety risks. The reactionary gap increases the likelihood of successfully managing encounters with individuals who may become hostile.