Lives on the line: how do first responders approach the most dangerous situations?

In Vermont, the State Police's Tactical Services Unit is tasked with finding a path to the safest outcome.

It's a team of about 20 Vermont State Police troopers with a lot to consider.

"What the suspect is doing, weather conditions, weapons involved,” said Lt. Hugh O'Donnell of the Vermont State Police.

The Tactical Services Unit deals with guns, hostages, barricaded suspects, and manhunts, among other life-threatening situations. O'Donnell is the team's commander.

“Our goal there is to resolve these situations in the most peaceful manner as possible with the least amount of force as necessary,”

But it isn't easy.

The unit goes through two weeks of training to start, then spends a couple of days each month working on quick and effective responses to high-risk incidents.

"A lot of it includes situational awareness, role playing, to put them in positions of when not to use force," said O’Donnell.

Use of force among police officers: it's a conversation that continues to spark national headlines.

Just last week in Vermont, the Rutland County State's Attorney said the troopers who shot and killed suspect Michael Battles in September did so legally. Police fired at a standoff in Poultney when they say Battles pointed a gun at them. Initial reports say the troopers thought it was a revolver, but it ended up being a BB gun.

"Mr. Battles is heard stating something to the effect of 'you guys will have a good one, I have plenty of effing arsenal, and something about a .357,” said Rose Kennedy, the Rutland County State’s Attorney.

"We have to be scrutinized,” said Col. Matt Birmingham of the Vermont State Police. “These are incredibly difficult situations for the police to deal with. They're incredibly difficult for the police after the fact. And they're unfortunately becoming more common."

O'Donnell says this was the only fatal shooting by the tactical unit in the last 10 years. "We use the same use of force rules and laws that a regular police officer on the road does,” he said.

The team works closely with crisis negotiation specialists. O'Donnell says communication is key, and that entering a space is often the unit's last resort.

"The rescue vehicle which is armored to approach the house and negotiate through windows or doors," said O’Donnell. "Sometimes we open the door with that vehicle to try to un-barricade the suspect."

Tactical Services gets around 12 to 30 calls each year. The team also teaches law enforcement agencies about active shooter response.