Victim service professionals should plan and prepare for a mass violence incident. A mass violence incident involves a criminal act that leaves behind numerous victims and survivors who need assistance and support. 

Along with first responders, law enforcement and emergency management, local victim service professionals may be called to assist victims, in the short and long term. 

Planning for a mass violence incident

Mass violence incidents happen with unsettling regularity in the U.S. and have happened in Minnesota. 

Victim service professionals are encouraged to plan within their own agencies, connect with local emergency management professionals, and provide input into local mass violence incident response plans to improve the ability to meet the immediate and long-term needs of victims in these situations.

Effort has been put into developing strategies to prepare and respond to mass violence incidents. Communities that experienced a mass violence incident contributed insights into these efforts. 

Victim service and criminal justice professionals are encouraged to review and learn from these comprehensive and strategic resources.