Who should the first arriving officer communicate with upon arrival at an active shooter incident?

The first arriving officer at an active shooter incident should communicate with law enforcement and establish unified command to effectively manage the situation. This is crucial because unified command allows for coordinated efforts among different agencies and units responding to the incident.

By establishing a unified command, the first officer ensures that everyone involved in the response is operating under a common incident action plan, which enhances communication and resource allocation. This collaboration is vital in an active shooter situation, where timely and efficient coordination can save lives and mitigate the threat effectively.

Establishing communication with law enforcement helps develop a clear understanding of the incident's dynamics, allowing for immediate tactical decisions. Effective command also facilitates the integration of various services, such as medical teams and tactical responders, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the response.

Communicating solely with on-site medical teams would limit the officer's ability to assess the broader situation, while contacting the emergency response coordination center or local news media would prioritize broader operational needs or public relations over immediate tactical response needs. Thus, engaging with law enforcement to establish unified command is the most strategic and effective action upon arrival at the scene.