About CIAG
History
On April 19, 1993 the FBI raided the compound of the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas. The raid ended a fifty-one day standoff, but not without significant loss of life. The subsequent Congressional and judicial investigation identified the need for a system to facilitate as-needed external consultation in certain critical incidents. The role of Conflict Resolution Specialist was created to serve as a liaison between the FBI and external experts. Dr. Gregory Saathoff, a forensic psychiatrist on the faculty of the University of Virginia School of Medicine, was asked to take on this role and accepted.
Saathoff assembled government officials, academics, and private sector experts into the Critical Incident Analysis Group at the University of Virginia Department of Emergency Medicine. Group members worked independently, producing extensive work across subfields of Critical Incident Analysis, and collaborated during yearly conferences addressing evolving and pressing issues.
For more about the founding and evolution of the CIAG, click here.
Our Mission
Critical incidents have the potential to create social trauma and to undermine trust in government – ultimately impacting community life and even the practice of democracy.
The Critical Incident Analysis Group works to understand the impacts of critical incidents on government and on the societies they serve. Gaining this understanding today will allow us to mitigate the deleterious effects of the critical incidents of tomorrow.
In order to achieve this mission, CIAG
Engages theory with practice
- It is not enough for our members to think about problems, instead they must be actively involved in implementing solutions.
Is multidisciplinary
- The group is comprised of a network of experts from academe, media, government, military, law enforcement, industry, and the behavioral sciences. Through diversity in expertise comes diversity in solutions.
Remains nonpartisan
- The group promotes no specific ideology except that which provides both security and liberty to citizens of free nations.
Is internationally focused
- Critical incidents such as terrorism know no boundary; and their successful management is an opportunity for learning.
Analyzes crisis through candid and multiple perspectives
- Through honesty and vigorous debate the best solutions will be uncovered.
Incorporates analysis methodology from leading international scholars and practitioners.
- Research and scholarship provide a critical process for examination of critical incidents.