NCJ Number
229409
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 57 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2009 Pages: 32-36,38
Date Published
October 2009
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the reasons for, features of, and the training and testing of a disaster plan for a law enforcement jurisdiction.
Abstract
"Disasters" can include hurricanes, tornadoes, terrorist attack, blizzards, bombs, wildfires, labor strikes, and unruly demonstrations. Law enforcement agencies must plan to cope with a disaster and its aftermath. This requires developing a plan that covers the procedures, prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery phases in responding to various types of disasters. Disaster planning should be ongoing, with a review conducted at least every year. A comprehensive written plan includes procedures, lists, check-off/timetable guides, building plans/blueprints, maps, diagrams, shutdown procedures, resource guides for first aid, CPR, equipment handling, training and drill procedures, funding sources, and resource lists and contact information for various types of help available in the community. The plan should also include the steps for logging and monitoring maintenance procedures designed to eliminate escalation or compounding of disaster effects, such as fire, explosion, chemical spills, and weather damage. In addition, the plan should designate an official spokesperson for media contact. Alternative sources for materials needed must be listed as well. Most law enforcement agencies have at least one vehicle that can serve as an emergency operations center (EOC). The plan should include information about how the EOC will operate after a disaster, including whether it should be fixed or mobile. In testing and practicing the plan, fire and safety drills should be conducted at least twice a year. This enables employees with various defined responsibilities in a disaster to experience the performance of their duties and increase their proficiency.