06/10/2022
This is the outdated LE misconception that will continue to cost lives, until LE changes their mindset.
Once a suspect crosses the Active Shooter threshold by pulling the trigger the first time, the situation remains an Active Shooter until the suspect is neutralized.
Just because a shooter stops shooting and locks himself in a classroom of kids does not downgrade the incident to a standard Barricaded Suspect, especially when he has already shot some of those kids.
In an Active Shooter incident LE has one priority - Preserve Life. A response must include all of these critical elements:
1) Neutralize the threat - immediately, through a rapid tactical search, pursuit, and engagement.
2) Stabilize critically injured victims, using TECC protocols
3) Coordinate and assist EMS rescue transfer and transport of the injured victims to surgical care.
Once a trigger is pulled, all victims are at risk of death. Those not yet injured are at present risk as long as the shooter has access. Those shot, with treatable wounds, will die without rapid intervention, stabilization, and rescue.
LE must improve response tactics. All life preservation priorities must be fluidly performed as quickly as possible to have the best possible outcome.
We need to do better, collectively. Every department, every officer needs to be trained, prepared, and ready to respond.
The Uvalde school police chief told the Texas Tribune that officers responded without hesitation.
