In 2020-2021, PHAI researchers interviewed sixteen mayors, first responders, and experts who responded to mass shootings in Orlando, Dayton, El Paso, Pittsburgh, Parkland, and San Bernardino (see links below to case briefs). Based on their experiences and recommendations, we created the Mass Shooting Protocol & Playbook to help mayors, city managers, and their staff prepare for, respond to, and help their communities recover from a mass shooting. Many of the best practices may apply to other extreme emergencies, such as a terrorist attack or other mass casualty incident, such as a building collapse or fire. We also developed the Tabletop Exercise Template, which city leaders can use to prepare their response to a mass shooting.

Links to Key Mass Shooting Resources

• Mass Shooting Protocol
• Mass Shooting Playbook
• Tabletop Exercise Template
• "Until We Find a Way to Prevent Mass Shootings, Your City Needs to Prepare," an overview of the role of city leaders (published by ICMA on July 1, 2022)
• Center for Homeland Defense and Security, list of preparedness training events

Mass Shooting Protocol

The Protocol is a four-page overview of a mayor’s role during the first 24 hours after a mass shooting. It highlights the key decisions a mayor will need to make and contains links to the Mass Shooting Playbook that can provide additional information as needed. A checklist highlighting immediate action steps is included. To download the Protocol, please click here.

Mass Shooting Playbook

The Playbook is a 200-page resource guide informed by the recommendations and experience of mayors who have responded to a mass shooting. It is organized into ten topic areas: communications, emergency management, victims and families, law enforcement, donations, school shootings, community partnerships, legal considerations, commemorations, and mental health. Each chapter includes the actions and training that a mayor can take in advance of a mass shooting; actions a mayor should take during the response phase; and guidance for providing services to victims, family members, and the broader community as they recover.

The Playbook features case briefs of the six mass shootings researched for the project, with key takeaways. These case briefs may be useful to mayors for planning and training purposes, as well as to researchers and law enforcement officials. To obtain these case briefs, choose from links below:

• Case Brief: Dayton Oregon District Shooting (Ohio)
• Case Brief: El Paso Walmart Shooting (Texas)
• Case Brief: Orlando Pulse Nightclub Shooting (Florida)
• Case Brief: Parkland School Shooting (Florida)
• Case Brief: Pittsburgh Tree of Life Shooting (Pennsylvania)
• Case Brief: San Bernardino Terrorist Attack (California)

Finally, the Playbook includes appendices that contain supplemental information, including a summary of all training resources, funding resources, how to manage a presidential visit, and information about responding to community gun violence and preventing suicide.

Tabletop Exercise Template

There is no substitution for preparation. The Tabletop Exercise Template is a tool you can use with your staff, law enforcement, other city officials and stakeholders to plan your response to a mass shooting. To download the template, please click here.