What should be the priority when responding to an active threat?

When responding to an active threat, the priority must be personal safety, ensuring the safety of others, and notifying law enforcement. This approach is vital because in situations where an active threat exists, the immediate risks to life are paramount. The first objective is to protect oneself and any potential victims from harm.

In any active threat scenario, chaos and panic can ensue, making it critical for the responding individual to keep themselves and others safe. This means assessing the situation quickly, potentially evacuating people from danger, and taking cover if necessary.

Moreover, timely notification of law enforcement is crucial as they are trained to handle such emergencies and can respond effectively to neutralize the threat. This immediate communication ensures that professional responders are on their way to manage the situation, which can minimize the response time and potentially save lives.

Other actions like collecting evidence, documenting incidents, or restricting access play important roles but are secondary to the immediate need for safety and communication with law enforcement. Addressing the threat directly and prioritizing life safety should always come first in these critical situations.