What action should be prioritized if civilians are in close proximity to the threat?

Prioritizing the evacuation of civilians immediately is crucial in an active shooter situation where there is an imminent threat nearby. The primary goal in such scenarios is to ensure the safety of individuals who may be at risk. Evacuating civilians reduces the number of potential victims in harm's way and allows for better management of the situation.

By getting civilians to safety quickly, responders can mitigate the immediate danger and create a safer environment for both those being evacuated and law enforcement personnel who will be handling the threat. This proactive measure helps to safeguard lives and may also allow individuals to assist in calling for help or providing information to authorities about the suspect's location and actions.

While engaging directly with the suspect may seem like a decisive option, it poses considerable risk to both the responder and any nearby civilians. Similarly, clearing surrounding areas and assessing the situation from a distance can take precious time that should be spent evacuating those at risk, which is essential for protecting lives. Therefore, the immediate evacuation of civilians is the most effective course of action.