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When a critical incident occurs, the manner in which a law enforcement agency examines its own response can be just as consequential as the response itself. This seminar will explore the value and application of both internal after-action reviews (AARs) and independent external reviews for sheriff’s offices and law enforcement agencies. Internal AARs, when conducted with discipline and candor, offer agencies the opportunity to rapidly identify operational gaps, reinforce effective tactics, and build a culture of continuous improvement from within. Independent reviews, by contrast, bring credibility, objectivity, and community trust — particularly in high-profile or politically sensitive incidents where the perception of impartiality is essential to maintaining public confidence.

However, not every incident calls for the same approach, and one of the most critical decisions a sheriff executive will make in the aftermath of a significant event is selecting the right type of review. Choosing incorrectly can undermine the integrity of the process, expose the agency to legal or political risk, or fail to produce the actionable change the organization needs. This presentation will guide sheriff executives through a practical framework for evaluating incident circumstances, organizational capacity, community expectations, and legal considerations to determine when an internal AAR may be preferred, when an independent review is warranted, and how to structure either process for maximum effectiveness and accountability.

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