The Maine State Police have completed an independent review of their after-action report following a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, on October 25, 2023, that left 18 people dead. The New England State Police Administrators Conference conducted the review, which was chaired by Vermont State Police Col. Matthew Birmingham. The review included recommendations on crime scene protocols, software, and training. The gunman’s body was found two days later, and he had died by apparent suicide. Maine State Police Col. William Ross requested the review to ensure that mistakes made during the response to the shooting could be learned from.
The report highlighted several issues that were previously identified, indicating that mistakes are bound to occur in events of this magnitude. The purpose of the review was to acknowledge and point out these mistakes so that they can be addressed and learned from. The report stated that despite intensive efforts by law enforcement, there may still be unanswered questions due to the limitations of the human condition and lack of evidence. The review aimed to provide answers and lessons learned that could benefit other survivors, victims, and communities in the future. The team led by Col. William Ross plans to utilize the review as a tool to make improvements, emphasizing the importance of continued training, policy review, and collaboration with partner agencies.
The New England State Police Administrators Conference’s review of the after-action report comes almost a year following the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston. The shooting took place at a bowling alley and a bar and grill, resulting in at least 22 deaths. The report pointed out that while many mistakes were identified, this was to be expected given the magnitude of the incident. The review highlighted the need for better crime scene protocols, software, and training to improve responses to similar events in the future. The limitations of the human condition and the lack of evidence made it difficult for the Commission to definitively answer all questions surrounding the shooting.
The review acknowledged the need for ongoing collaboration with partner agencies and continuous training to ensure preparedness for future incidents. Col. William Ross and his team view the review as a valuable tool for initiating improvements in their response protocols. They aim to address the mistakes identified in the report and learn from them to enhance their ability to handle similar situations in the future. The report emphasized the importance of making changes based on the recommendations provided in the review, acknowledging the inevitability of mistakes in high-stress situations. The team plans to incorporate these lessons into their policies and procedures moving forward to strengthen their response capabilities.
The New England State Police Administrators Conference’s review of the after-action report was conducted in response to a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, that resulted in a tragic loss of life. The review, chaired by Vermont State Police Col. Matthew Birmingham, aimed to identify mistakes made and recommend improvements in crime scene protocols, software, and training. Despite the challenges posed by the limitations of the human condition and the lack of evidence, the review sought to provide answers and lessons learned that could benefit other individuals and communities in the future. The team led by Col. William Ross plans to use the review as a starting point for enhancing their training, policy review, and collaboration with partner agencies to ensure ongoing preparedness for similar incidents.
