NCJ Number
110272
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 36 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1988) Pages: 73-77
Date Published
1988
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article provides information on procedures for planning command post operations.
Abstract
Three common shortfalls involved in casual radio procedures, which degrade communications during an emergency, make it impossible to maintain an accurate picture of the deployment and commitment of resources are listed: (1) failure of patrol officers to properly identify their units; (2) failure to maintain current officer status, and (3) the temptation to respond to calls without being dispatched. Use of phonetics, hardware shortcomings, inability to communicate with other agencies, deadspots, and dropoffs are discussed. Information is presented on various styles and types of mobile and fixed command posts from the simplest to the most complex, including the patrol car; a specialized command or communications vehicle such as a converted trailer, van or bus; or a fixed location post which can function independently yet interface with all existing systems, including Fire and EMS. Situations which might lend themselves to management by command post and necessary equipment are described.