Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – The Arkansas Department of Public Safety concluded a series of community stakeholder meetings last week with the goal of helping Arkansas prepare for, respond to, and recover from mass violence incidents (MVIs).

According to an Arkansas State Police news release, seven events were held across the state. Over 600 participants representing local, state, and federal law enforcement, emergency management and educational agencies, as well as philanthropic, nonprofit, faith-based organizations, and ambulance/hospital facility personnel were present.

One meeting took place in Jonesboro. The others occurred in Russellville, Camden, Rogers, Hope, Heber Springs, and Conway. The Jonesboro meeting took place a few months ago.

“There were numerous resources presented to us that will help if or when critical incidents occur within our city,” JPD Chief Rick Elliott told JRN. “It’s also a great feeling to know we can call on other agencies for assistance. The first priority is to protect and serve our community to the best of our ability.” 

During the gatherings, DPS Secretary and ASP director Col. Mike Hagar and Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl discussed how Fordyce was impacted by the June 21, 2024, shooting at the Mad Butcher grocery store and lessons learned from it to help other communities prepare.

Knoedel’s advice included making sure all officers have patrol rifles and that communications are strong with neighboring agencies. He also encouraged that law enforcement leadership be willing to ask for help.

“When something like this happens, you have to be able to leave your ego at the door,” Knoedl said in the news release. “You have all these resources at your fingertips. When something like this happens, all you have to do is call. You have to say to yourself, ‘I can’t handle this.’ You need to lean on the people who can handle it. Pick up the phone and call the Arkansas State Police. I can assure you, they will be there as quick as they can.”

According to the FBI, the Mad Butcher shooting was one of 12 MVIs in 2024. In 2025, the agency had counted 23 MVIs nationwide.

These incidents result in the deaths of four or more people in one event, in one or more public locations such as a workplace, school, restaurant, house of worship, or other public setting, according to the definition from the National Mass Violence Center.

Arkansas DPS includes several agencies and services equipped to offer services in the event of an MVI:

  • ASP’s Criminal Investigation and Highway Patrol divisions
  • Division of Emergency Management
  • State Crime Laboratory
  • Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training
  • Crime Victims Reparations Board
  • ASP’s POLAR (Performance Optimization, Leadership, and Resilience) Program

The initiative also includes participation and support from the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas Department of Human Services, and has engaged the Arkansas Community Foundation, which is positioned to facilitate philanthropic support after an MVI.