The instruction is summarized in the following advice: "avoid, evade, and counter." The best way to deal with multiple-offender situations is to avoid them altogether. Such avoidance depends on an officer obtaining as much information as possible about a situation before deciding on a strategy for addressing it. Dispatchers are critical in this endeavor. They should routinely seek to determine the number of people present at the site of a crime report. If an officer unknowingly enters a multiple-person situation, the next step is to evade the problem. This will normally take the form of disengagement. Although this may deflate an officer's image of himself or herself as courageous and competent to handle every situation, it is the wisest course of action, given the odds against an officer prevailing against multiple offenders. If involvement in a confrontation with multiple offenders cannot be avoided or evaded, the proper response is to counter the attack with as much forceful action as can be mustered. This is not a situation in which the officer should measure the use of force by that necessary to effect an arrest. An officer must assume that the offenders intend to render serious bodily harm. Officers in close contact with multiple offenders must use quick strikes to the face and neck. Using a baton can keep multiple suspects at a distance, as long as they do not have a firearm. If firearms are involved, using cover may mean the difference between life and death. Taking note of possible cover as well as escape routes prior to making contact is important when responding to any situation. Moving in such a way as to put separated offenders in each other's line of fire may delay their attack and reduce the odds in the officer's favor.