What should be the top priority when responding to an active shooter situation?

In an active shooter situation, the prime objective is to mitigate the threat and protect lives. Locating, isolating, and controlling the situation is crucial because it directly addresses the immediate danger presented by the shooter. Quickly identifying the shooter's location allows law enforcement to intervene effectively and prevent further harm to innocent individuals.

This approach prioritizes the safety of potential victims and establishes a tactical response to neutralize the threat. Engaging the shooter or creating a plan to control the threat can save lives, as the situation may evolve rapidly and require swift action to prevent casualties.

While finding a secure location to set up is essential for ensuring the safety of bystanders, it is secondary to directly responding to and controlling the active threat. Establishing communication with local news is not a priority in such a crisis; the focus should be on immediate action and response, not public information dissemination. Lastly, waiting for specialized teams could lead to delays that endanger lives, highlighting the importance of taking decisive action as soon as it is safe to do so.