What should be the first focus for law enforcement during an active shooter incident?

In an active shooter incident, the primary focus for law enforcement should be the safety of victims. This approach stems from the urgency of the situation, where immediate action is necessary to prevent further harm to individuals caught in the threat. While officer safety is also critical, the overarching goal during such incidents is to protect lives, particularly those of innocent victims who may be trapped or in immediate danger.

Neutralizing the threat is indeed a vital part of the response, but it is inherently tied to the overarching mission of ensuring victim safety. Law enforcement agencies adopt a protocol that prioritizes rapid intervention to stop the assailant as quickly as possible, which directly relates to safeguarding victims. Focusing on the safety of suspects would not be appropriate in this context, as the primary concern needs to be addressing the immediate danger posed to innocent lives.