What is the main responsibility of the contact team (CT) during an active shooter situation?

The main responsibility of the contact team during an active shooter situation is to neutralize the active shooter threat. This team is typically the first law enforcement unit to arrive on the scene and is tasked with quickly locating and engaging the shooter to prevent further harm to potential victims. The immediate goal is to eliminate the threat and secure the area so that additional teams and resources can operate effectively.

By focusing on neutralizing the threat, the contact team plays a critical role in safeguarding lives and preventing escalation of violence. Their actions directly impact the safety of both civilians and other responding personnel. This proactive engagement is essential in active shooter scenarios, where every moment counts in preventing more casualties.

Other responsibilities, such as providing medical assistance, preparing for victims, or establishing communication with external agencies, are typically handled by other responders or teams that follow after the immediate threat has been neutralized. These actions, while crucial, fall outside the primary mandate of the contact team during the initial response phase.