Your phone rings at 1:00 a.m. It’s your overnight lieutenant. There’s been a mass shooting in a packed nightclub downtown. The shooter inflicted maximum carnage. Fifteen people are dead; many more are wounded. There is a massive crime scene at the nightclub and another crime scene nearby.

The lieutenant is clearly shaken but in control. You’re relieved to hear that none of your cops are hurt. They responded quickly and effectively. The danger is over. The wounded are being treated and evacuated.

The shooter was arrested after a brief gunfight with your officers six blocks from the nightclub. He is alive, in custody, and being treated for survivable injuries. Multiple weapons were recovered.

There is a community of police chiefs who have gotten this type of call. It’s a small group, but it continues to grow. Every police chief wonders if they might be the next to join the group. Every chief should prepare as if they will be next.