It took more than two years for the release of a report on the emergency response by Aurora first responders to the theater shootings — a needless delay for such vital information.
The report released Wednesday outlined more than 80 recommendations for improvements to how police officers and fire officials respond. Specifically, the report urged better — and faster — communication and coordination.
Aurora already has implemented many of these recommendations, but the report will be useful to law enforcement and emergency agencies around the country.
Why the delay? Both prosecutors and defense attorneys fought the report’s release, citing the gag order in the case against suspected shooter James Holmes.
The gag kept the review from being launched until May 2013, almost a year after the incident, though the report was centered on the response and not the investigation.
No one wants to foul up the Holmes case. But the overly broad interpretation of the gag order was not in the public’s interest. It is clear now this report includes valuable information, solely focused on making the public safer.
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