NCJ Number
220097
Journal
THE POLICE CHIEF Volume: 74 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2007 Pages: 30,32,34,36,37,40,42,45-47,49,50
Date Published
August 2007
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article is intended to provide guidance for the development of contingency plans, organization of resources, and establishment of departmental protocols that can be used to respond to and help mitigate the effects of a pandemic influenza or similar health emergency.
Abstract
Like those who predict another major terrorist attack against the United States, community health experts predict that it is not a question of if, but when, pandemic influenza will strike. It is agreed that if planning and preparation should be delayed until efficient human-to-human transmission of a highly pathogenic strain emerges, it will be too late to take any meaningful precautions. In a pandemic, law enforcement services will be required to mitigate unnecessary community fears as well as to help ensure that medical services are not overrun and the critical community infrastructure is unharmed, all with reduced staff. So, with that said, early preparation for pandemic influenza or a similar health threat is essential in order to meet these basic community needs. This article provides guidance to law enforcement in establishing plans and taking measures in advance to ensure that crucial law enforcement is not unreasonably disrupted and that employees are provided with the means to prevent or mitigate the spread of infection. Notes