The Maine State Police department has recently undergone an independent assessment in the aftermath of a devastating incident where an Army reservist committed a mass shooting, resulting in the tragic loss of 18 lives. Following this evaluation, several recommendations have been put forth to enhance responses to mass casualty events. These recommendations include setting up crime scene protocols, improving software systems for processing tips and leads, and providing additional training opportunities for law enforcement personnel. Officials revealed these suggestions on Thursday.
The evaluation was carried out by the New England State Police Administrators Compact, which carefully reviewed the after-action report prepared by the Maine State Police. This assessment was initiated based on a recommendation from an independent commission appointed by the Maine governor. The report’s findings were made public just before the anniversary of the state’s most significant mass shooting, underscoring the constant need for refining responses to such large-scale tragedies. The main objective is to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes to enhance readiness for any future incidents.
The tragic shooting occurred on October 25, 2023, in Lewiston, targeting a bowling alley and a bar and grill hosting a cornhole tournament. Regrettably, the shooter took his own life, and his remains were found two days later.
The independent commission, which conducted 16 public hearings and gathered information from numerous witnesses during its investigation, advised a thorough after-action review by the state police, complemented by an independent assessment.
In the report released last month, various aspects requiring improvement in tactical response, incident management, and training were highlighted. Of particular concern were issues such as officers deploying themselves and the operations of command centers – both identified as significant problem areas needing attention. These concerns were echoed in the assessment conducted by the New England compact.
Col. William Ross of the Maine State Police, along with the department’s team, intends to use the insights from the after-action report and the evaluations from the compact and independent commission to implement necessary changes. A recent statement stressed the importance of continuous training, policy reviews, and collaboration with partner agencies within the first responder community to enhance preparedness for future catastrophic events.