First Responders and the Private Sector

When an active shooting occurs, the first responder community automatically switches from routine duties into a formidable force, often based on national preparedness directives—a structured incident command system. These duties are honed by both lessons learned from previous emergencies and scenario training. First responders are fully aware that response time is potentially measured by the number of casualties, but they are also keenly aware that blue-on-blue shootings are unacceptable—that caution must be taken during the response. For a business, active shooting planning, response and recovery begins before, during, and after the incident. It includes all departments and working groups within the business. Identifying and preparing for the gaps and challenges that may be experienced at the business with an active shooting is a dual function of both first responders and the business. Determining the effectiveness of a response is not the sole responsibility of the first responder community but rather involves both entities.