What is the purpose of warning shots?

The purpose of warning shots primarily revolves around determining intent. When warning shots are fired, they serve as a clear indication to the subject that their actions have been noticed and are being responded to. This action can help establish the seriousness of a situation and prompt the individual to reconsider their intentions. It acts as a means of communication that signals to the person that they may be crossing a line, potentially avoiding a more forceful response if the situation escalates.

While warning shots might have implications for perimeter security or could be used to signal other units, these aspects are secondary to their main function of assessing and clarifying the intent of a potential threat. Diversion of attention can occur, but that's not the primary purpose behind executing warning shots. By focusing on intent, security personnel can gauge whether further action, such as engagement or de-escalation, is needed.