Border Patrol Supervisor Practice Test

Which of the following actions should be taken first after a shooting incident?

1. Gather witness statements

2. Check for injuries

3. Secure the scene

4. Report the incident

The correct answer is: Secure the scene

After a shooting incident, the first action that should be taken is to secure the scene. This involves making sure that the area is safe and that no further danger exists, which is crucial for the protection of both responders and any potential witnesses or victims. Securing the scene also preserves evidence that may be crucial for an investigation, as it prevents contamination of the area where the shooting occurred. By ensuring that the scene is secure, law enforcement can then effectively manage the situation, including determining the need for medical attention and preventing unauthorized access to the area. Once the scene is secured, attention can be turned to checking for injuries, gathering witness statements, and reporting the incident—all of which are important but secondary to the immediate need for safety and evidence preservation.