Assessment the effectiveness of central crisis management at Charles University during the 2023 active shooter incident: a thematic analysis

Abstract This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the Central Crisis Management Team’s response at Charles University during the active shooter incident on December 21, 2023. Utilizing a qualitative and comparative methodological approach, this research systematically examines official records, meeting minutes, and interviews with key stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of crisis management practices. Thematic analysis was employed to identify and categorize the crisis management strategies into phases as outlined by the Czech Ministry of the Interior’s guidelines for handling soft target incidents (Ministry of the Interior, 2016). The findings reveal significant alignment with prescribed protocols during the initial response phase and identify an opportunity to expand the protocols to encompass additional thematic areas as the situation progressed. Building on these findings, the study concludes with actionable recommendations aimed at improving communication systems, integrating psychological support, and enhancing crisis preparedness at educational institutions. These recommendations, detailed in the Conclusion, offer a framework for strengthening security protocols and response strategies in academic settings.