What is the primary responsibility of the contact team during an active shooter response?

The primary responsibility of the contact team during an active shooter response is to locate the perpetrators and stop the killing. This focus is critical because, in active shooter situations, the immediate priority is to neutralize the threat posed by the shooters to prevent further harm to victims and bystanders. The contact team, typically consisting of officers who are the first to arrive at the scene, is trained to engage and confront the shooter directly to mitigate any ongoing threat.

While other responsibilities, such as providing medical assistance or establishing secure perimeters, are also important in the overall response plan, they take a secondary position to the immediate imperative of stopping the shooter. The contact team must act swiftly to minimize casualties and protect potential victims, demonstrating the importance of proactive intervention in situations where lives are at stake.