Preparing for and responding to mass critical incidents includes balancing an effective police response to a mass critical incident while ensuring public safety and maintaining community trust. Protocols emphasize preparedness and risk mitigation during critical incidents and include training in crisis management, communication strategies, collaboration with other emergency response organizations, and post-incident responses to the needs of the community, victims, and officers. Approaches are adjusted based on the particular challenges of a mass critical incident, while ensuring a rapid and coordinated response.

Emergency response scene featuring a police SUV with flashing lights in the foreground and a fire truck in the background.

Resources Related to Mass Critical Incident Response

Visit the Knowledge Lab’s full resource index here.

  • Reset

After Action Report | 2017

Rescue, Response, and Resilience: A Critical Incident Review of the Orlando Public Safety Response to the Attack on the Pulse Nightclub

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Response to Mass Demonstrations
  • Responding to Mass Critical Incidents

After Action Report | 2015

A Heist Gone Bad: A National Policing Institute Critical Incident Review of the Stockton Police Response to the Bank Of The West Robbery And Hostage-Taking

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Responding to Mass Critical Incidents

Guidebook/Tool | 2013

National Incident Management System Intelligence/Investigations Function Guidance and Field Operations Guide

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Response to Mass Demonstrations
  • Responding to Mass Critical Incidents

Guidebook/Tool | 2012

Law Enforcement Critical Incident Handbook: Information for Law Enforcement Officers Involved in Critical Incidents.

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Response to Mass Demonstrations
  • Responding to Mass Critical Incidents
  • Officer Safety and Wellness

Report | 2005

Mutual Aid: Multijurisdictional Partnerships for Meeting Regional Threats

  • Response to Mass Demonstrations
  • Responding to Mass Critical Incidents

Guidebook/Tool

Critical Response Toolkit: Post-Critical Incident

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Response to Mass Demonstrations
  • Responding to Mass Critical Incidents
  • Crime Investigations

Guidebook/Tool

Fusion Centers and Emergency Operations Centers

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Response to Mass Demonstrations
  • Responding to Mass Critical Incidents
  • Crime Investigations

Training

ICS Resource Center: Training Program

  • Response to Mass Demonstrations
  • Responding to Mass Critical Incidents

The information provided within these modules has been gathered from various sources, including legal reviews, research, and practitioner and department-developed resources. These webpage modules are intended to be a guide for departments to use to improve their policing practices. Additional information and resources may be needed to implement the recommendations successfully. This resource is intended to be dynamic, and the Knowledge Lab will continue to update and add to these modules to provide additional and current guidance for departments.

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