What is the primary focus of law enforcement during the initial phase of an active shooter incident?

The primary focus of law enforcement during the initial phase of an active shooter incident is to stop the threat. In these critical moments, the most pressing priority is to neutralize the shooter to prevent further harm to innocent victims. The rapid response aims to assess the situation and take immediate action to confront the shooter, thereby minimizing casualties and ensuring the safety of those in the vicinity.

While gathering evidence, evacuating civilians, and establishing communication are important aspects of the response to an active shooter incident, they come into play after the immediate threat has been addressed. Gathering evidence typically occurs in the aftermath of the incident, evacuating civilians is crucial but is secondary to ensuring that the threat is neutralized first, and establishing communication is essential for coordination but does not take precedence over stopping the ongoing attack. Thus, the urgency of dealing with the shooter takes precedence to protect lives.