The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released a comprehensive report detailing its agency’s actions during the tragic mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The report, consisting of a summary and a full 200-page document, outlines the findings of the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility’s Critical Incident Review.

Key Findings and Recommendations:

Command and Control:

• A lack of clear federal authority for CBP personnel to intervene in local-level emergencies.
• The absence of a unified command and control framework among responding law enforcement agencies.
• Gaps in existing training for breaching tactics in cases involving locked doors.

CBP Leadership Actions:

• Implementing policy changes for CBP interactions with local and state law enforcement.
• Reevaluating training standards to address lessons learned.
• Improving operational methods for better command and control.

Legal Authorities:

• CBP personnel had inconsistent understanding of their legal authority to respond to non-federal emergencies.
• Addressing vague and misunderstood authorities could lead to more effective incident responses.
• CBP personnel’s legal authority might be limited to that of a private citizen in non-federal emergencies.

Command and Control Personnel:

• CBP personnel received no instructions from state or local law enforcement.
• No established command and control framework resulted in delays and potential loss of life.
• Lack of access to accurate school layout and keys hindered response efforts.

Active Shooter and Incident Management Training:

• Existing CBP training on active shooter response was insufficient.
• Training focused on federal property and lacked NIMS and ICS protocols.
• Training did not prepare personnel for school-based incidents, locked doors, or command and control.
• Insufficient coverage of ballistic shields, legal authorities, leadership, and agency interoperability.

Recommendations for Legal Authorities:

• Ensure clear understanding of legal authorities for CBP personnel.
• Develop policies for non-federal mass-casualty incidents.
• Pursue statutory changes to define federal law enforcement authority.

Recommendations for Training:

• Provide proper training and familiarize personnel with NIMS and ICS protocols.
• Revise and adapt training curricula to emerging best practices.
• Establish procedures for following medical triage best practices.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the CBP’s involvement in the Robb Elementary mass shooting and offers recommendations for improving future responses to such tragic events.