Research Continues to Show High-Performing Agencies Use After-Action Reviews (AARs)

An After-Action Review (AAR) is typically conducted following a critical incident, but one can also be completed on a more informal basis following minor incidents or arrests. An AAR is conducted to allow responding officers to reflect on what happened, what did not work during the response and why, and how to improve weaknesses while building on what went well to sustain strengths.

The AAR is used by many police agencies and, when done properly, can be an incredibly effective organizational learning tool. The AAR can be very beneficial when administered as an open and honest exchange of ideas and observations among team members and when it is used to convey a commitment to identifying solutions. It can also be useful for providing feedback to improve performance and recognize a job well done.

The evidence-based benefit of AARs is strongly correlated to reduced liability risk when agencies review body-worn camera (BWC) footage as a tool to learn, train, and develop their officers. An AAR is even more effective when this process produces officer commendations and recognitions that highlight and share positive behaviors and practices that have resulted in a strong statistical correlation to reduced officer injuries.

Four Pillars of an AAR

The purpose of an AAR is to identify lessons learned, recognize effective actions, identify opportunities for improvement, and determine whether changes to training, policy, procedures, equipment, staffing, or interagency coordination are warranted.

There are four pillars or foundational questions to ask for an effective improvement-oriented AAR program with your agency.

1. What happened or occurred?
2. What was expected to happen?
3. What went well and why (often called best practices)?
4. What can be improved upon and how (often called lessons learned)?

Answering these four questions helps build a culture of continuous learning through the assessment of lessons learned and promising practices. This process is vital for protecting first responders, ensuring community safety, and responding effectively to all types of incidents.

Benchmark Analytics Research

The League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) recently completed the fourth year of a research study with Benchmark Analytics called the iMPACT Project to utilize predictive analysis to identify key risk factors facing Trust member law enforcement agencies and to provide evidence-based recommendations for approaches to address these risks. One of the leading findings of the research addressed AARs. The research showed a strong correlation to a reduction in liability, workers’ compensation, and auto claims for agencies that had established an extensive AAR process. 

  Resources Available to Help Your Agency Develop an AAR Process and Policy

There are several resources available that can assist your agency in developing its own AAR process. The resources below also provide best-practice recommendations to maintain a professional and trusting environment, as the focus of any AAR process needs to be on learning and improvement, including individual performance and training along with a recognition and rewards program.

• How to Conduct an After-Action Review (COPS/National Police Foundation)
• After-Action Review (International Association of Chiefs of Police)
• LMC Information Memo and Evidence-Based Practice Quick Start Guide: After-Action Reviews (League of MN Cities)
• LMC Law Enforcement Model Policy – After-Action Reviews (League of MN Cities)
• After-Action Review and Reporting: An Introduction (No-Cost Online Training for Supervisors and Trainers, COPS Training Portal)
• Planning for Critical Incident Responses and Model Policy (League of MN Cities)
• Risk Management in Law Enforcement – Discussions on identifying and mitigating risk for officers, departments, and the public (Office of Community Policing Services)

If you have any specific comments or questions, contact me at tstille@lmc.org or (651) 215-4051.

In the meantime, stay safe!