What should a Protective Security Officer (PSO) establish immediately during an active shooter incident?

Establishing a perimeter and controlling all access to the area is crucial during an active shooter incident for several reasons. First and foremost, securing the scene helps to contain the situation and prevents further access to individuals who may be in danger. By establishing a perimeter, the Protective Security Officer (PSO) can limit movement into and out of the area, helping to protect bystanders and injured individuals while allowing law enforcement to respond effectively.

Additionally, an effective perimeter can facilitate the organization of emergency response teams and restrict access to only authorized personnel. This is essential in maintaining order and ensuring that first responders can do their jobs without interference. Establishing control over access points also prevents potential threats from entering the incident scene, which could exacerbate the situation or lead to additional harm.

While other tasks, such as setting up medical stations or a media briefing area, are important in the overall management of such an incident, they are secondary to the immediate need for establishing a secure perimeter. A clean-up crew would only be necessary after the immediate threat has been neutralized and the scene is declared safe. Thus, establishing a perimeter is the first and most critical action a PSO should take during an active shooter situation.