When should the ISO perform a 360-degree scan of the incident area?

The ISO should perform a 360-degree scan of the incident area upon arrival at a response to a criminal or terrorist attack to establish situational awareness and ensure the safety of all personnel involved. This initial assessment is crucial as it allows the ISO to identify immediate hazards, assess the layout of the scene, and observe any potential threats that could impact the safety of responders and bystanders.

Conducting this thorough visual assessment helps the ISO to formulate a more effective response strategy, ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately and that everyone remains aware of their surroundings. Recognizing dynamic situations and the potential for further threats—like additional explosive devices or hostile individuals—makes the 360-degree scan an essential part of the incident response protocol. By taking this proactive step, the ISO can mitigate risks and maintain a safer operational environment.

Other options focus on actions either too late in the response timeline, or in contexts where a 360-degree scan may not be necessary, hence highlighting the importance of situational awareness right from the moment of arrival.