What should the first official do during a barricade situation?

During a barricade situation, the first official on the scene has a critical role in assessing the situation quickly and thoroughly. Checking if it is a hostage situation is vital because the dynamics of a barricade incident can change dramatically if hostages are involved. Immediate notification to the watch is essential to ensure that the appropriate resources and specialized teams, such as negotiating units or tactical response teams, are dispatched promptly. This action helps prioritize the safety of any potential hostages and informs the command structure for ongoing management of the situation.

Establishing the outer perimeter is important, but it comes after confirming the particulars of the situation since a hostage scenario necessitates a different response strategy. While requesting backup is indeed a critical step, it is more effective to fully assess the situation first, ensuring that the right types of resources are mobilized based on the specific circumstances at hand. The initial assessment is the foundation upon which all further decisions and actions are built during a barricade situation.