46.1.1 A written directive specifies a position in the agency responsible for coordinating the planning functions for response to unusual occurrences.

Commentary: The person holding this position should be the principal advisor on unusual occurrences to the agency’s chief executive officer. In larger agencies, an important part of the duties attendant to this position may be to act as an expediter of resources during an emergency situation.

(M M M M)

46.1.2 the agency has written plan for responding to natural and manmade disasters, civil disturbances, and other unusual occurrences.

Commentary: Thorough planning is a fundamental requirement in responding to unusual occurrences outlined in this standard. Agencies responding to unusual occurrences should prepare for a variety of needs, including, but not limited to: provisions for communications, situation maps, field command posts, chain of command to include other agencies, casualty information, community relations, (public information-media briefings), other agency support, military support, martial law, public facility security, traffic control, equipment availability, de-escalation procedures, post-occurrence duties, after-action reports, transportation, court/prosecutorial liaison and other legal considerations. Of particular importance is the unified command of personnel from other agencies assisting in unusual occurrences. When appropriate, unit integrity of individual agency personnel should be maintained throughout mission assignments.

City, county, regional, and state plans should be utilized where appropriate. Existing or other mandated plans which fail to address the specifics of this standard should be supplemented by agency policy, procedures, or plan.

(M M M M)

46.1.3 The agency’s written plan includes the following procedures for carrying out mass arrests:

Commentary: None.

(O O M M)

46.1.4 The agency has a written plan for handling a hostage/barricaded person situation, to include, at a minimum, provisions for the following:

Commentary: Guidelines for hostage/barricaded person situations should be developed and tested prior to their use. Once in effect, they should be subject to annual review and, if necessary, modification.

(M M M M)

46.1.5 The agency has a written plan for handling a bomb threat or bomb emergency and for gaining access to a bomb disposal unit.

Commentary: The bomb threat or bomb emergency plan should include, at a minimum, the role of personnel in ascertaining details from the bomb threat caller; notification of appropriate command personnel; formation of a security perimeter; communication procedures; organization of search teams; search procedures; equipment required by search teams; and news media access. The plan should include notification procedures for bomb disposal personnel. An evacuation policy should be established for schools and other buildings. The plan should also provide for coordination with fire/rescue personnel and with investigators or evidence specialists responsible for apprehending suspects and/or gathering physical evidence. The plan should be reviewed annually.

(M M M M)

46.1.6 Agency equipment designated for use in unusual occurrence situations is inspected at least once each month for operational readiness.

Commentary: To ensure the readiness of equipment to be used in support of emergency operations, unusual occurrence plans should show the numbers and types of equipment and supplies needed for various emergencies. At a minimum, plans should provide for the location, amount, maintenance, and inspection of items of equipment.

(M M M M)

46.1.7 Emergency operations plans are accessible to all command personnel and are reviewed and updated as needed.

Commentary: None.

(M M M M)

46.1.8 The agency has a written emergency mobilization plan, to include provisions for:

Commentary: In the event of an unusual occurrence, the planned response of agency personnel is imperative. In larger agencies, the mobilization of personnel may be phased or initiated according to a series of alerts.

(M M M M)

46.1.9 The agency has a written plan for handling the security of VIP’s, to include, at a minimum, provisions for the following:

Commentary: In addition to these requirements, agencies having frequent responsibilities for coordinating operations with the U.S. Secret Service should establish specific arrangements with that organization for purposes of planning and coordination.

(N/A O M M)

46.1.10 The agency has a written plan for handling special events, to include, at a minimum, provisions for the following:

Commentary: The intent of the standard is to encourage the development of an overall plan, setting out requirements, in turn, for specific planning and operation for each individual event.

Special events may include parades, entertainment/sporting events, highway construction/ maintenance activities, picketing/demonstrations, etc. The plan should address the following problems and special circumstances: ingress and egress of vehicles and pedestrians, parking space, spectator control, public transportation, relief of officers assigned, news media, alternate traffic routes, temporary traffic controls and parking prohibitions, and emergency vehicle access.

(N/A O O O)

46.1.11 A written directive establishes an Incident Command System for operations management and addresses the following:

a. system activation criteria;

g. documented analysis of incidents and training effectiveness, at least every three years.

Commentary: The expanding scope and sophistication of emergency operations, along with increased possibilities of acts of terrorism, require law enforcement agencies to quickly act to stabilize and control emergency situations. Increasingly, law enforcement agencies must deal with large catastrophes with little or no notice. Immediate and decisive action is required to minimize loss of life, reduce property damage, and permit involved authorities to fulfill their responsibilities.

The Incident Command System (ICS) has proven very effective in federal and fire services emergencies over the past two decades. This system permits a clear point of control and can be expanded or contracted with ease to escalating or diminishing situations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) ICS is comprehensive, available on the Internet, and widely used. An agency may choose a different model but must insure that it accomplishes the intent of ICS and that any system used is readily adaptable to systems other agencies may use in important areas, i.e., terminology, modular organization, integrated communications, and unity of command. ICS will not be effective if training is not provided or if such training is not used.

While the law enforcement mission is often handled with few officers, there are situations that quickly escalate into major incidents. It is important to work with other agencies that use this system, so when crises arise, all personnel are familiar with the ICS structure and can function effectively within it. Compatibility between agencies' ICS is imperative if ICS is to work effectively. This standard does not require the use of ICS with minor instances handled solely by the agency. Additionally, not all components of ICS need to be activated when the system is operational; only those that are needed in the situation should be used. Component activation and deactivation depends upon changing circumstances.

Training should include tabletop, actual exercises, multiple agency involvement, and may be in conjunction with specific plans required in other standards and operations in Chapter 46.

The agency should also consider the effect of this standard on other standards that address command protocol and require coordination and authority, i.e. 12.1.2 and 12.1.4.

(O M M M)

46.2.1 A written directive establishes procedures for the following special operations activities at a minimum, either on a part-time or full-time basis:

Commentary: For those special operations the agency does not perform, the directive should identify where such assistance is available, how it is requested, and what responsibilities agency personnel are to assume until assistance arrives. Guidelines should also be established for use of special operations officers to supplement other operations, such as patrol, as the need arises. The intent of "coordination and control" is to establish procedures to alleviate potential misunderstandings among all components, to provide for the safety of officers, and to ensure the success of the operation. Discretion is advised in disseminating information to local commanders or operational components when operational security is critical to success.

(M M M M)

46.2.2 If the agency conducts tactical operations, either on a part-time or full-time basis, a written directive establishes criteria for the selection of officers assigned to those operations.

Commentary: Officers who are assigned to tactical operations, whether full- or part-time, should be carefully selected. Special criteria for selection should be identified, such as a stipulation that the assignment is voluntary; prior law enforcement experience in a field assignment; physical fitness and agility; and ability to function as a member of a team. The submission of an application, an oral interview, a physical agility test, and a comprehensive background investigation to assess the applicant’s potential performance and mental suitability for tactical assignment. These criteria should be publicized to ensure that all qualified and interested officers have equal opportunity to apply for these positions.

46.2.3 If the agency has a full-time or part-time tactical team, the agency provides specialized equipment for its operations.

Commentary: Special equipment is needed to provide tactical officers with proper protection and to facilitate successful resolution of tactical operations. The equipment may be issued to officers for storage at home, in agency vehicles, or in some other accessible location. Such equipment is not limited to but may include a portable, handheld radio transceiver with earpiece and/or throat microphone; a flashlight; a chemical agent mask; body armor; a utility uniform; a ballistic helmet; binoculars; sidearm; and other firearms as dictated by the position of assignment (center fire rifle with telescopic sight, shotgun, automatic rifle, or submachine gun).

(M M M M)

46.2.4 If the agency has hostage negotiators, a written directive specifies criteria for selection to those positions.

Commentary: Hostage negotiators should be carefully screened and selected. Special criteria for selection should be identified, such as passing a psychological screening examination, including testing and a clinical interview by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist; experience as a law enforcement officer in a field assignment; and good verbal skills and problem-solving abilities.

(M M M M)

46.2.5 If an agency performs search and rescue missions, a written directive defines the scope and procedures of their activities.

Commentary: None.

(M M M M)