NCJ Number
191977
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 49 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 140-143
Date Published
October 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the need for law enforcement agencies to become more proactive in planning and preparedness for critical situations, especially in training officers to reduce personal risk.
Abstract
In the past, law enforcement agencies have relied on a reactive response and the cleverness of their personnel to bring about order and resolution during critical police operations. However, law enforcement agencies have become more susceptible to scrutiny regarding their actions. More importantly, the failure to plan for such critical situations puts officers at risk. Advanced planning and preparedness for crisis situations is crucial. Officers should receive first responder training in many different areas as part of their routine training. It is necessary to determine what is needed and who has the resources or skills needed to effectively assist with a crisis. Training needs to be progressive and responsive to both criminal and non-criminal incidents. A mass disaster situation may call for giving support to, or cross-training with, other public safety officers. Once resources have been identified and officer training upgraded, the effectiveness of the preparedness plan needs to be reviewed through conducting scenarios and debriefings. This allows agencies to test the effectiveness of the crisis response plan and training.