What is the priority order for law enforcement when responding to an active shooter incident?

The priority order for law enforcement when responding to an active shooter incident is centered around their primary mandate to neutralize the threat as quickly as possible. This approach is crucial because the longer an active shooter remains operational, the greater the risk of harm to innocent victims. Therefore, neutralizing the threat immediately is the first priority.

Following the neutralization of the threat, officer safety becomes paramount. Officers must ensure that they are not placing themselves at unnecessary risk as they engage the shooter, which is important for both operational effectiveness and the overall safety of responding personnel.

Lastly, while victim safety is critically important, the immediate action must ensure that the threat is neutralized first. Once the immediate danger has been addressed, law enforcement can then focus on rendering aid and ensuring the safety of any victims. This structured approach ensures a swift response that maximizes the possibility of saving lives.