After-Action Reviews and the Big Black Hole of Improvement Processes

Abstract

University and campus public safety departments deal with a wide range of planned events and incidents from felonious crimes, chemical spills, and other emergent incidents to routine activities that require consistent reviews like commencement ceremonies. After-Action reviews (AARs) are a standard process in several industries including public safety, yet there is little empirical research when it comes to how AARs are applied to campus public safety entities and their outcomes. The Indiana University Public Safety Department (IUPS) reviewed 153 AAR reports, from 2017 through 2020, across seven Indiana University campuses and two academic centres. We highlight the key empirical findings from that review and how they influenced policy and practice at IUPS. We also highlight the role of the researcher–practitioner partnership in the process. We present lessons learned from the project along with suggestions for agencies interested in implementing a robust AAR process.