What should police prioritize during a critical incident response?

Establishing a safety perimeter is crucial during a critical incident response because it ensures the safety of both the public and the responding law enforcement personnel. By creating a secure area around the incident, officers can control access, preventing potential harm from onlookers or individuals who might interfere with the situation. This perimeter helps to stabilize the situation, allowing law enforcement to assess the threat and respond effectively without additional chaos or danger.

Safety must always come first in critical incidents, as the risks involved can escalate rapidly. While gathering evidence, apprehending suspects, and documenting everything are important aspects of an investigation, they should come after establishing a secure environment. The safety perimeter allows operations to proceed in a controlled manner, thereby increasing the chance for a successful resolution to the incident.