Glenn College Releases Review of Columbus Response to 2020 Protests

In July 2020, Columbus City leaders commissioned an independent, outside after-action review of the City’s response to protests that took place last summer. Former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Carter Stewart and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs were named the lead investigative team.

The Columbus After-Action Review Report is complete and provides the results of an eight-month research study evaluating how the City of Columbus, Ohio, inclusive of elected officials and the Columbus Division of Police managed the protests in Columbus from May 27 through July 19, 2020. The purpose of the research study was three-fold:

• document interactions between community members and law enforcement personnel as a part of the protests;
• evaluate the City of Columbus’ preparation and response to the protests; and
• generate research-informed recommendations about how to improve the performance of the City of Columbus in preparing for and responding to future protests.

Dean Trevor Brown served as the principal investigator of the after-action review. “The John Glenn College of Public Affairs is honored to be part of this important project and dedicated to providing thorough, unbiased and objective research that can help the city and the Columbus community move forward," said Brown.

The Glenn College took on this research project in pursuit of the university’s land grant mission and the Glenn College’s commitment to conduct evidence-based, objective research to inform and improve the practice of public organizations.