Oakland County has taken a critical step in advancing transparency, accountability and community healing by tentatively selecting Guidepost Solutions LLC to conduct a comprehensive After Action Review (AAR) of the response to the Oxford High School shooting in 2021. The AAR will thoroughly evaluate the effectiveness of the county’s response to the tragic event and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen preparedness and response efforts for future crises.
The selection will become official once the contract is negotiated and signed.
“We are committed to an open and thorough examination of the county’s response to the tragic shootings at Oxford High School by law enforcement, emergency management and all county departments activated in the moments, days and months after the shootings three years ago,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “The Oxford families and extended community deserve this review and we must ensure we’re employing best practices moving forward with emergency plans we hope we never have to use.”
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners approved $500,000 in funding for this independent review, with full support from County Executive Dave Coulter’s administration and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
Guidepost Solutions, headquartered locally in Birmingham, Mich., was chosen following a competitive selection process. The firm, which has significant expertise in evaluating active shooter responses, will work alongside partners including the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center and Threat Suppression, Inc.
"Oakland County unanimously supported funding for the Oxford High School shooting after-action report,” said Chair David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak). “These tragedies are something we hope to never encounter. But when they do occur, we have a duty and responsibility to review and evaluate our collective response. The goal is simple: learn and improve so we can make our community safer.”
Guidepost’s team, which includes former law enforcement leaders, emergency management experts, mental health professionals and educators, will critically examine all aspects of the response, including:
• Command and coordination: Governance, organizational structure, and interagency collaboration.
• First responder actions: Law enforcement, fire, EMS, and emergency management protocols.
• Mental health and recovery: Community and first responder support services.
• Communications: Public messaging, 9-1-1 operations, and interagency information sharing.
• Training and preparedness: Evaluation of pre-incident training and recommendations for future improvements.
The review will also involve extensive community engagement, including town halls, listening sessions and interviews with victims, families, first responders and others. A final public report will ensure transparency, while preserving confidentiality.
Guidepost’s After Action Review will emphasize the well-being of victims, families and the community. With previous experience conducting sensitive reviews in school and municipal settings, the firm will balance rigorous analysis with compassion and care.
Guidepost’s findings and recommendations are expected to be shared publicly in mid-2025.
The selection will become official once the contract is negotiated and signed.
“We are committed to an open and thorough examination of the county’s response to the tragic shootings at Oxford High School by law enforcement, emergency management and all county departments activated in the moments, days and months after the shootings three years ago,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “The Oxford families and extended community deserve this review and we must ensure we’re employing best practices moving forward with emergency plans we hope we never have to use.”
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners approved $500,000 in funding for this independent review, with full support from County Executive Dave Coulter’s administration and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
Guidepost Solutions, headquartered locally in Birmingham, Mich., was chosen following a competitive selection process. The firm, which has significant expertise in evaluating active shooter responses, will work alongside partners including the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center and Threat Suppression, Inc.
"Oakland County unanimously supported funding for the Oxford High School shooting after-action report,” said Chair David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak). “These tragedies are something we hope to never encounter. But when they do occur, we have a duty and responsibility to review and evaluate our collective response. The goal is simple: learn and improve so we can make our community safer.”
Guidepost’s team, which includes former law enforcement leaders, emergency management experts, mental health professionals and educators, will critically examine all aspects of the response, including:
• Command and coordination: Governance, organizational structure, and interagency collaboration.
• First responder actions: Law enforcement, fire, EMS, and emergency management protocols.
• Mental health and recovery: Community and first responder support services.
• Communications: Public messaging, 9-1-1 operations, and interagency information sharing.
• Training and preparedness: Evaluation of pre-incident training and recommendations for future improvements.
The review will also involve extensive community engagement, including town halls, listening sessions and interviews with victims, families, first responders and others. A final public report will ensure transparency, while preserving confidentiality.
Guidepost’s After Action Review will emphasize the well-being of victims, families and the community. With previous experience conducting sensitive reviews in school and municipal settings, the firm will balance rigorous analysis with compassion and care.
Guidepost’s findings and recommendations are expected to be shared publicly in mid-2025.
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