Security officers must be alert to terrorist threats. If a terrorist incident occurs at a facility, security officers are likely to be first on the scene to observe the situation. They themselves could become victims of the attack.

Security officers are usually the first to notify emergency services, the first to take command and control of the event and the first to aid victims. Effective preparation and training is required so that the actions and decisions made by security professionals during this stressful time will lead to the most successful outcome of the incident.