What is the primary job of law enforcement during an active shooter event?

The primary job of law enforcement during an active shooter event is to stop the shooter. This central objective stems from the need to neutralize the immediate threat to preserve lives and prevent further harm. In such critical situations, law enforcement officers are trained to prioritize locating and incapacitating the perpetrator as quickly as possible to minimize casualties and stabilize the incident.

While providing first aid and escorting patients to safety are vital actions that may be taken during and after an active shooter event, they are secondary to the immediate need to confront and eliminate the threat posed by the shooter. Officers focus on stopping the shooter first to ensure the safety of potential victims and to control the situation effectively. Assisting individuals to escape safely or rendering direct aid can follow once the threat is neutralized, but the priority remains on stopping the attack.