Every mass violence incident is unique, and each presents unique challenges for police leaders. And yet, mass violence issues share some commonalities that police leaders need to be aware of. In this podcast, we will explore how these differences and similarities impact officer and community response, needs, and healing in the wake of mass violence. Hear from Chief Daniel Thompson and Chief Greg Mullen, who led their respective departments through two high-profile mass violence incidents: the Waukesha Parade Tragedy of 2021 and the Charleston Church Shooting of 2015. They share the unforeseen challenges to preparation, response, and healing that they, and their departments, experienced. While all forms of violence can have a traumatic and long-lasting effect, understanding the challenges specific to mass violence incidents can better prepare police leaders to navigate these tragedies. 

Mass violence tragedies cause far- and wide-reaching impacts in their aftermath. They create lasting challenges not just for police, but also for their families. Hear from Newton (CT) Chief of Police (Ret.) Michael Kehoe and his wife Lori, a retired hospice nurse, about the unique challenges they each faced, and the steps they took to support Newtown’s police department and its families, in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting in 2012.

Join Chief (Ret.) Kristen Ziman and Max Schachter as they discuss lessons learned from their direct experiences with mass violence tragedies. They focus on empathetic engagement and mindful communication with victims and families. This podcast also highlights the IACP Mass Violence Advisory Initiative – a project that provides no-cost peer-to-peer assistance to law enforcement leaders following a mass violence incident. Funding for this podcast is provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance.

Mass violence tragedies can present unique challenges for law enforcement leaders in the form of urgent and complex information-sharing and decision-making. It is essential that agencies have strong media relations strategies and communication plans in place to effectively manage these critical incidents. Hear from Sheriff John Mina and Director of Strategic Communications Michelle Guido from the Orange County (FL) Sheriff’s Office as they discuss their partnership and share the lessons they learned from their response to the Orlando, Florida, Pulse Nightclub shooting in 2016.

The impact of mass violence is deep, affecting the victims, their families, the officers, and the community at large, and it takes time and support to heal. Police psychologist Dr. LaMaurice Gardner and police chaplain Charlie Scoma draw from their personal experience responding to mass violence events to share their roles in supporting officer healing both on scene and in the days and months following one of these tragedies. They discuss the difference between psychological and physical healing, how to encourage officers to use the support offered, and how officer healing is linked with community healing.