The Value of Accident Review Committees

By Todd Duncan, Law Enforcement and Safety Specialist

In today’s law enforcement and corrections environments, agencies face increasing liability from workplace injuries and motor vehicle crashes. These incidents not only impact employee health and agency resources but also carry significant risk of litigation and public scrutiny. An effective tool to address these risks is the Accident Review Committee (ARC). An ARC is group of agency personnel tasked with reviewing incidents, identifying preventable causes, and strengthening safety practices.

Why an Accident Review Committee Matters

Workplace injuries and vehicle crashes represent two of the most frequent—and most costly—loss exposures for sheriff’s offices and jails. In fact, motor vehicle collisions are the number one source of loss in the NIRMA pool and have cost members $6.2 million over the last five years. Even a single preventable incident can result in medical expenses, workers’ compensation claims, vehicle repairs, lost work time, and, in serious cases, litigation. By systematically reviewing each incident, an ARC helps agencies distinguish between unavoidable accidents and those that could have been prevented through better training, supervision, equipment, or adherence to policy. This process transforms each incident into a learning opportunity rather than a missed warning sign.

Structure and Process

Establishing an ARC does not require complex bureaucracy. A typical committee meets monthly or quarterly and includes representatives from administration, operations, and training. Their role is not disciplinary, but analytical and advisory. The ARC should review:

• All workplace injuries – whether minor or serious, to determine root causes and whether policies and safety protocols were followed.
• All motor vehicle crashes – regardless of severity, since even minor collisions often reveal gaps in driver awareness or policy adherence.

After review, the ARC classifies each incident as preventable or non-preventable. A concise report is then forwarded to the Sheriff, listing all preventable incidents and recommending prevention strategies such as refresher training, policy revision, or equipment upgrades.

Role of the Sheriff

The Sheriff retains final authority to determine what corrective actions are appropriate for preventable incidents. Responses may range from counseling and retraining to formal discipline, depending on severity and circumstances. This clear division of responsibility ensures the ARC focuses on fact-finding and prevention, while the Sheriff maintains accountability and leadership.

Benefits to the Agency

The advantages of implementing an ARC are clear:

• Improved safety culture – Employees recognize that every incident is taken seriously and examined for lessons learned.
• Reduced liability – Preventable patterns are addressed before they escalate into major claims or lawsuits.
• Transparency and consistency – Decisions about incidents follow a structured process, reducing perceptions of favoritism or arbitrariness.
• Operational readiness – Fewer injuries and crashes mean more staff and vehicles remain available for mission-critical duties.

Conclusion

An Accident Review Committee is a proactive investment in officer safety, organizational accountability, and liability reduction. By carefully reviewing all workplace injuries and crashes, identifying preventable causes, and forwarding recommendations to the Sheriff for appropriate corrective action, agencies can turn costly setbacks into opportunities for improvement. In an era where public trust and financial stewardship are more important than ever, ARCs provide a practical, proven approach to managing risk and safeguarding both employees and the communities they serve. To request a copy of NIRMA’s model ARC policy email Todd Duncan at tduncan@nirma.info.

Stay professional. Stay accountable. Protect the badge.

For questions or more information on training opportunities, contact NIRMA’s Law Enforcement and Safety Specialist Todd Duncan at (402) 742-9220 or tduncan@nirma.info.