A glance at findings in US military report into Iraq shooting at mental health clinic
By APTuesday, October 20, 2009
Key findings in Iraq clinic shooting investigation
Key findings from a U.S. military investigation into a shooting spree last May at mental health clinic in Iraq that left five American service members dead:
—There were no clear procedures or established training guidelines for the military in Iraq to deal with soldiers identified as “at risk” for suicide.
—No Army publication has offered step-by-step instruction to a unit on how to implement a suicide watch.
—A suicide prevention plan that outlines steps to be taken by commanders in Iraq once a soldier has been identified as at risk is advisory rather than mandatory.
—The security at the Combat Stress Clinic at Camp Liberty was inadequate. “Minor physical security improvements would have made the facility safer for the staff members and patients alike,” the report found.
—Military police did not have a policy of warning potential victims at the base of a credible threat.
—Radio communication on the base was poor, forcing military police to meet in person to share information about the suspect.
Source: Report on “Behavioral Health Facilities Investigation Concerning 11 May Stress Center Shooting” released by Multi-National Corps-Iraq.
On the Web: www.mnc-i.com/15-6/LibertyCombatStressCenter15-6results3985.pdf
