The review of Maine police’s response to mass shootings provides additional recommendations

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — An independent review of the Maine State Police’s actions when an Army reservist killed 18 people has produced recommendations including mass casualty scene protocols, updating computer software for tips and leads and improving training and setting goals for officials said Thursday.

The New England State Police Administrators Compact reviewed a state police follow-up report in response to a recommendation from an independent commission appointed by the governor of Maine.

The report, released a week before the anniversary of Maine’s deadliest mass shooting, said law enforcement’s response to a tragedy of such magnitude “will never be without problems.” However, the review aims to “highlight these issues so that we can learn from them, make necessary changes and prepare for the future”.

The shooting occurred on October 25, 2023 in Lewiston at a bowling alley and bar and grill that was hosting a cornhole tournament. The shooter died by suicide; His body was found two days later.

An independent commission, which held 16 public meetings, heard from numerous witnesses and reviewed evidence, recommended that the state police prepare a full follow-up report with an independent review.

State police released their review last month and made several recommendations for improvements in tactical response, incident management, training and other areas. Many of the areas addressed in the New England Compact have previously been identified as problems, including self-deployment officers and command center protocols.

State Police Col. William Ross and his team will use the follow-up report, compact review and independent commission findings to begin implementing changes. “Continued training, policy review and collaboration with partner agencies across the first responder spectrum are essential and will continue on an ongoing basis,” it said in a statement.

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