Oakland County Takes Steps for Transparency in Oxford High School Shooting Response
In a significant move, Oakland County officials have appointed New York-based risk management firm Guidepost Solutions to conduct an independent review of the emergency response to the tragic shooting at Oxford High School, which occurred in 2021. This announcement was made on Monday by county executive Dave Coulter, who highlighted the importance of understanding and improving the procedures that were implemented during the heartbreaking incident that took the lives of four students and injured seven others.
The Purpose Behind the Review
The comprehensive after-action review aims to evaluate the responses from law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency services on that fateful day. The idea is to dig deep into what happened and learn from it so that such tragedies can be handled better in the future. “We are committed to an open and thorough examination of the county’s response to the tragic shootings, ensuring we employ best practices moving forward,” Coulter stated, recognizing the urgent need for this review to support the Oxford families and the extended community.
A Well-Planned Investment
The county is in the process of negotiating a contract with Guidepost Solutions, which has an office conveniently located in Birmingham. The estimated cost for the review is a hefty $497,000, making it the highest bid among six contenders. However, officials believe this investment is worth every penny for the level of expertise that Guidepost brings to the table. Community members can expect the findings and recommendations from this review to be announced publicly by mid-2025, providing insight into how to enhance emergency preparedness.
Community and Leadership Support
In September, motivated by reports highlighting concerns about potential delays in dispatch responses to the scene, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approved funding for a third-party review. Board chair David T. Woodward emphasized the importance of evaluating collective responses to tragedies, stating, “The goal is simple: learn and improve so we can make our community safer.” The collaboration between Coulter’s administration and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office reinforces the seriousness and commitment to this mission.
A Closer Look at Guidepost Solutions
Although the firm is about to embark on a new review, they are not strangers to the Oxford shooting. In 2023, Guidepost produced a detailed 572-page report investigating the incident for the Oxford Community Schools. Their previous findings uncovered critical missteps on the part of the school district’s former leaders that allowed the shooter to bypass existing threat assessment and intervention protocols. With this prior knowledge, they’ve already got a foot in the door—understanding the past will undoubtedly aid their current evaluation.
Comprehensive Evaluation Approach
County officials have indicated that the review will take a holistic approach. They plan to evaluate numerous aspects like command and coordination, first responder actions, mental health recovery, communication strategies including public messaging, and interagency information sharing. The focus will also extend to training and preparedness, ensuring they not only address past failures but design a roadmap for future improvements.
Engaging the Community
Community engagement is a central pillar of this review process. The firm plans to hold town halls, listening sessions, and interviews with victims’ families, first responders, and other stakeholders to gather as much relevant information as possible. This multifaceted approach was endorsed by families affected by the shooting. Steve St. Juliana, whose daughter was among the victims, expressed his approval of the decision, noting Guidepost’s previous insight into the situation as a valuable asset. “This is an after-action review, and understanding what went right and wrong is crucial,” he remarked.
Looking Ahead
Given that no independent after-action review has been conducted regarding the Oxford incident thus far, this undertaking by Guidepost is indeed a significant step forward. In times of distress, it’s imperative to learn from past mistakes so communities can ensure that safety measures are up to par in the event of future tragedies. As mourning families continue to seek answers, this initiative brings a glimmer of hope that lessons will be learned, gaps will be filled, and lives can potentially be saved in upcoming crises.
