After-action reviews (AARs) have long played an essential role in improving performance—not only in law enforcement, but also in the military, aviation, public health, and the private sector. Their value extends from analyzing large-scale incidents to refining routine daily operations.

AARs are often viewed solely as a post-mortem: as a way to pinpoint mistakes after the fact. However, when designed to highlight successes as well as challenges, AARs become structured, forward-looking tools that drive continuous improvement. By highlighting successes, AARs can be used as a proactive coaching method in learning-driven agencies. Agencies that review both successes and lessons learned learn at higher and faster rates than those that only discuss lessons learned.

In this post, we’ll explore how to structure AARs for balanced learning, how to recognize and replicate best practices, and how to build a culture where every review strengthens future performance.

What Is an After-Action Review?

An AAR is a team-based approach to reflecting on, analyzing, and learning from a particular event, response, or program deployment. This allows agencies to identify promising practices and learn lessons to enhance responses to future similar scenarios, thereby fostering transparency and accountability.

The most effective AARs are those that:

• Review the response from a holistic perspective (including the entirety of a response or deployment from planning and preparation to investigation and follow-up)
• Include all participating agencies and stakeholders (such as law enforcement, the fire department, emergency medical services, emergency management, community stakeholders, and downstream partners, such as the hospital)

Some of the most profound changes in critical incident response have come directly from AARs. They’re a learning opportunity that should not be overlooked.

Listen to a discussion with Humberto Cardounel, NPI, and Fire Chief Alex Oughton and Police Chief (Ret.) Rick Myers on the importance and value of cross-disciplinary after-action reviews.

After-Action Review Examples

An after-action review doesn’t have to reflect only what went wrong—it can also showcase what went right. By highlighting promising practices and explaining what went right, agencies can ensure these actions are replicated in future responses or deployments. Effective practices, strong leadership, and well-thought-out interagency coordination all deserve recognition and replication.

Review examples of after-action reviews that document effective, successful agency responses: https://www.policinginstitute.org/aarlibrary/ 

7 Key Questions for After-Action Reviews

Effective AARs are built around thoughtful, structured questions. These questions not only help identify areas for improvement but also ensure that successes are recognized and understood. The following prompts form the backbone of a comprehensive AAR:

1. What Did You Set Out to Achieve?

Begin by revisiting the original objectives of the operation or response. Clearly defining what you aimed to accomplish sets the foundation for the entire review. Were the goals realistic and well-communicated? Did everyone involved understand their role in meeting those objectives?

2. What Was Supposed to Happen?

Outline the expected course of events based on existing plans, procedures, or protocols. This step provides a baseline against which actual outcomes can be measured. It also highlights whether operational expectations were appropriate given the situation.

3. What Actually Happened?

Document the real sequence of events as accurately and objectively as possible. Focus on facts rather than opinions. This clarity allows participants to analyze performance without unnecessary assumptions or blame.

4. Why Was There a Difference?

Compare the intended outcomes to what occurred. Identify the factors (both internal and external) that caused any gaps between expectation and reality. These may include resource limitations, communication breakdowns, environmental conditions, or procedural shortcomings.

5. What Worked Well and Why?

Recognizing successes is as important as acknowledging problems. Pinpointing what went right—and, just as importantly, understanding why—provides a blueprint for replicating effective practices in future operations. Organizations that focus on the roots of their success are better equipped to continually improve those processes in the future.

6. What Didn’t Work Well and Why?

Address the aspects that fell short of expectations. Analyze the root causes rather than symptoms. Was the issue one of planning, execution, training, or something else entirely? Identifying the “why” behind failures ensures that corrective actions address underlying problems.

7. What Can We Improve Upon and How?

Conclude the review by generating actionable recommendations. Improvements should be specific, practical, and assigned to responsible parties where applicable. This ensures that lessons learned translate into tangible enhancements rather than being forgotten once the review ends.

How to Conduct an After-Action Review

A well-run after-action review transforms individual experiences into organizational learning. By following a structured methodology, agencies can move beyond simple critiques and create meaningful learning opportunities that improve future team performance.

Establish Clear Ground Rules and Objectives

The after-action review process should begin with clear expectations. The facilitator or team leader sets ground rules for the AAR discussion, emphasizing respect, honesty, and a focus on improvement rather than blame. Establishing the objective of the session, whether evaluating a recent initiative or refining an ongoing project, ensures that everyone understands the purpose of the debrief.

Select the Right Facilitator and Framework

An effective AAR depends on a skilled facilitator who can guide the AAR process impartially. The facilitator ensures that every participant’s voice is heard, manages the flow of the discussion, and keeps the group focused on actionable recommendations. Many agencies use a consistent template to structure their reviews, which provides continuity across projects and supports integration with project management and strategic planning efforts.

Encourage Candid, Constructive Dialogue

A productive AAR discussion is more than just a review of events. It involves uncovering root causes and generating solutions. Use open-ended questions to draw out diverse perspectives and identify both strengths and weaknesses. Real-time insights should be captured and linked to long-term corrective actions, bridging immediate learning with future decision-making.

Connect Findings to Action Plans

To conduct AARs effectively, translate observations into concrete action plans. Assign responsibility for follow-up tasks, set timelines, and integrate corrective actions into ongoing operations. This approach ensures lessons learned lead to measurable improvements in team performance and decision-making.

Integrate Lessons into Future Practice

The final step in the after-action review process is embedding outcomes into broader organizational systems. Effective AARs inform strategic planning, strengthen project management methodologies, and shape training programs. When agencies consistently conduct AARs and follow through on actionable recommendations, they create a culture of continuous improvement rather than one-time fixes.

The Benefits of After-Action Reviews

AARs have a number of operational, organizational, and community-oriented benefits, including:

• Improved First Responder Safety and Tactical Performance
• Enhanced Training and Training Scenario Realism
• Organizational Learning, including internal cohesion and communication, command and control, policies and procedures, etc.
• Strengthened Interagency Coordination and Communication
• Increased Transparency, Accountability, and Public Trust
• Role and Responsibility Clarification
• Risk Reduction
• Increased Support for First Responder Wellness and Morale
• Professional Development 

After-Action Review Resources

NPI’s AAR Resource Library  NPI was the first national law enforcement organization to create and compile a library of AARs from mass demonstration, mass violence, and other critical incidents. 

How to Conduct an AAR  A practical guide to implementing the AAR process at any agency size.

Critical Incident Preparedness Toolkit: Assessing Capacity to Respond to Active Assailant Events  A self-assessment tool designed to assist public safety and emergency response professionals, school administrators and security professionals, elected officials, and communities to evaluate readiness for potential active shooter scenarios.

Learn More about NPI’s After-Action Review Process

We know AARs are important. So, what should we do about it?

Agencies in all fields should institutionalize the AAR process into day-to-day operations, from technology deployments to critical incidents. It’s critical that these reviews consider and spotlight successes, not just the lessons learned. Highlighting what went right can set a standard of excellence in the field: it allows others to replicate promising practices, establish a roadmap, and share in the success of their peers. 

To take the first steps towards institutionalizing the AAR process:

• Familiarize yourself with the AAR concept, process, and benefits
• Codify the AAR process in a policy or standard operating procedure 
• Commit to implementation and follow-through 
• Seek external support and guidance: AARs should be thorough, objective, and inclusive of all voices

 

*Review research citations used in this issue here.

 

Need assistance?

The National Policing Institute is here to help! NPI has led some of the most comprehensive and independent AARs in the nation. If your agency is considering conducting an AAR and would like to learn more about NPI’s process, please complete the contact form below.