A man unleashed a torrent of bullets in a mass violence incident killing three individuals in Farmington, New Mexico, in May 2023. The 18-year-old killer fired into homes and cars as he walked down the streets.

In the latest episode of the Critical Dispatch podcast, Chief Steve Hebbe and Deputy Chief Kyle Dowdy of the Farmington, NM Police Department speak to host Jeff Pegues and pull back the curtain on one of the harshest realities of policing—those who are first to respond to a mass violence incident carry the weight of these tragedies long after they unfold. The response from the Farmington Police Department provides valuable lessons and identifies specific challenges for policing and the resources first responders need before, during, and after such a crisis.

Through programs like Supporting Growth After Tragedy and the VALOR Officer Resilience training program, IACP is helping agencies foster cultures of support to equip officers with the necessary tools to process critical incidents and maintain their mental and physical well-being. And for agencies looking to strengthen their response strategies to mass violence incidents, IACP’s Mass Violence Advisory Initiative (MVAI) offers expert guidance and actionable solutions.

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