The 3-Minute Gap: Why Response Time Matters More Than You Think

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:

Most violent attacks are over before law enforcement ever arrives.

In active shooter events, most fatalities occur in the first 2–3 minutes.
And according to national response data, the average police response time is 7–11 minutes—longer in rural areas, or during complex calls.

So who’s protecting your people during that gap?

The Real Question Isn't “Will Police Show Up?”

It’s: “What happens before they get there?”

That short window—the first 180 seconds—is where:

• People freeze or act

• Teams communicate (or panic)

• Lives are saved—or lost

You don’t need a SWAT team.
You need a prepared team.

What Should Happen in the First 3 Minutes?

Every facility—church, library, workplace—should train their team to:
-Recognize and respond to an immediate threat
-Alert others and initiate lockdown or response
-Communicate clearly (internally and externally)
-Render aid or guide evacuation if safe
-Know when to move, when to secure, and when to engage

This isn’t just about shooters.
These same actions apply to:

• Medical emergencies

• Domestic spillovers

• Mental health crises

• Violent or erratic patrons

What Happens Without a Plan?

In our post-incident debriefs, we often hear:

“I didn’t know who was in charge.”
“We froze.”
“We didn’t know what to do until the police got there.”

That’s the 3-minute gap in action.
And it’s preventable—with training.

How BHS Helps You Fill the Gap

BHS Tactics & Consulting prepares your team for that critical window with:
-Realistic, team-based training
-On-site walkthroughs and scenario drills
-Clear, tiered response plans
-Custom communication tools and scripts
-Role-specific actions for volunteers and staff

We don’t train for fear. We train for action.
Because seconds matter—and your people deserve better than “just call 911.”

Ready to fill the gap before help arrives?
Schedule a free walkthrough and see how BHS can equip your team to respond when it matters most.