I don't think they'd do any better. This is essentially a new situation beyond almost anyone's experience here. There's bound to be a learning curve for everyone. Maybe they need to have choppers on standby and up in the air the moment the first call comes in--preferably with a very good camera that could take quality pictures showing all the traffic, etc. for several miles. That might reveal one car/truck/van, etc. that shows up at multiple scenes. They could certainly get a fast look at the big picture that way.
I learned yesterday that one of the VA victims' home is just around the corner from mine..........