What should security personnel prioritize when responding to a security breach?

Prioritizing custody and control of the situation during a security breach is vital for maintaining safety and order. This focus ensures that the immediate environment is stabilized, which may involve containing the threat, ensuring that individuals are safe, and preventing further escalation of the situation.

By gaining control over the breach, security personnel can effectively assess the situation, make informed decisions, and appropriately direct resources and personnel. This principle underlies the broader objective of any security response: to protect life and property while minimizing chaos.

Additionally, while documenting the incident, evacuating personnel, or engaging with the perpetrator are important steps that may follow, they should occur only after the situation has been controlled. Documenting the incident is crucial for post-incident analysis but can be a secondary priority when immediate threats exist. Similarly, evacuating personnel is important but should be executed in a structured manner that does not compromise safety. Engaging with the perpetrator can potentially escalate risks, making it essential to prioritize containment first.