Which of the following is an example of a critical incident?

A critical incident is typically defined as a situation that has significant implications for individuals or organizations and often involves high-stakes environments where lives, safety, and health are at risk.

The examples provided in the correct choice—active shooter situations, hostage situations, and line of duty shootings—fit this definition well, as these incidents can result in severe consequences and require immediate and decisive action from law enforcement and emergency responders. They pose imminent threats to life and safety, making them critical in terms of response and management.

In contrast, the other choices present scenarios that do not carry the same level of urgency or potential for harm to individuals or the public. For instance, while a parking ticket or a missing cell phone can be frustrating, they do not pose an immediate threat to someone's safety. Similarly, a reprimand at work or personal events like a divorce might be impactful personally but do not represent a critical incident in the context of public safety or emergency response. Lastly, while a mass casualty incident does involve significant stakes, the other examples in that option, such as a flat tire or divorce, do not reach the threshold of critical incidents as they do not necessitate immediate intervention from emergency services.