What should be the first response in an active shooter situation?

In an active shooter situation, the primary focus is to rapidly address the immediate threat to save lives. Immediate response with forceful action is prioritized because delaying engagement can lead to increased casualties. The primary responsibility of responding officers is to stop the shooter as quickly as possible to prevent further harm to innocent individuals.

While assessing the area's safety is important, it can slow down the critical response time needed in such a dangerous scenario. Engaging with negotiation techniques is typically not appropriate in an active shooter context, as time is of the essence, and the situation is often extremely volatile. Additionally, gathering more officers before taking action can create unnecessary delay in dealing with the active threat, endangering more lives.

Thus, the most effective and appropriate response is to confront the assailant promptly and decisively to neutralize the threat.