A new report has revealed the Baltimore Police Department was disorganized and unprepared to respond to the April riots triggered by the death of Freddie Gray.

The Police Executive Research Forum, a law enforcement think tank in Washington, released a 79-page report titled "Lessons Learned from the 2015 Civil Unrest in Baltimore" on Monday. In the study, the group cited "major shortcomings" in the department's handling of the widespread riots and protests on April 27. The study cited the lack of a comprehensive strategy to tackle the unrest, insufficient officer training, absence of riot gear, unclear arrest policies, and confusion over orders and chain of command.

In a specific example, the city's Command Center was found to overcrowded, with as many as 100 people occupying a room intended for 30 to 40. The department's 10-person Analytic Intelligence Section, crucial in helping adapt and respond to the chaotic situation, was limited to two computers and had equipment blocked due to the crowding.

Officers were told to take a "soft approach" to arrests and were hesitant to adapt once the riots became more intense. Many officers also lacked modern riot gear, forcing some to raid the academy for supplies and eventually leading to a $2 million emergency order for new equipment.

The report gave 56 recommendations for improvement, suggesting stronger communication between police units, officer training, equipment inventory and mutual aid agreements with other police agencies in the event of emergencies.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Commissioner Kevin Davis both endorsed the report and said many of the recommendations had already been implemented.

"The Mayor appreciates the thoughtful analysis and the constructive points on how we can improve our systems, our communications and our preparations," spokesperson Howard Libit said in a statement, according to The Baltimore Sun. "The Mayor has made it clear that neither she nor Commissioner Davis have been waiting for the final report to make necessary changes. Throughout the summer, they have been outlining the many steps that have been taken which address and correct the issues raised in this report."