Command and Control / Emergency Management

Question 1

Control

Answer 1

Operates horizontally across agencies

Question 2

Command

Answer 2

Operates vertically within an organisation

Question 3

When does coordination occur?

Answer 3

It occurs when command and control is communicated to all responders and their agencies, by giving appropriate taskings that are completed correctly in a timely manner.

Question 4

Control sets …

Answer 4

… priorities and objectives and determines how best to implement them

Question 5

Control includes …

Answer 5

… the authority to assign tasks to another agency and to coordinate that agency’s wider actions so that it integrates with the wider response

Question 6

What is the scope and function of command and control?

Answer 6

• operates horizontally between response agencies

- Police exercise control when it is the lead agency in a multi-agency response

Question 7

What are the 3 essential elements of command and control?

Answer 7

1. Leadership
2. Decision making
3. Control

Question 8

How do we record our decision making?

Answer 8

Through the use of a decision log

Question 9

What are the three different operating levels?

Answer 9

• Tactical command - occurs within the community
• Operational - occurs where there are multiple tactical level activities or when too complex
• Strategic - when the event is significant and requires dedicated attention

Question 10

List the principles of command and control/emergency management

Answer 10

Unity - there must be a clear chain of control or command

Span - recommended level - 2-7 direct reports

Continuity - must be sustainable

Delegation - centralization of control / decentralization of execution

Obligations - community safety/staff/reputation of Police

Question 11

What is the appreciation process?

Answer 11

• It is the act of understanding the nature, magnitude or meaning of the situation faced
• Should be written
• Allows for clear thought and logical reasoning
• The output are options which can be briefed to the IC for guidance and approval on one course of action
• The approved course of action is developed into a plan
• The plan is developed into the operation orders which outlines how the operation will be carried out

Question 12

What is the appreciation format?

Answer 12

AFCO =

Aim
Factors
Courses of action
Outline plan

Question 13

Detail ‘Aim’ in respect of the appreciation format

Answer 13

• Set by a higher control or command level
• If no higher level then it is the commander of the Police response
• Will generally start, “To … “ and will outline the ‘what’ of the operation
• The aim can include the ‘how’, ‘when’, ‘why’ or ‘where’.
• Should also take into account any critical facts and assumptions.

Question 14

Detail ‘Factors’ in respect of the appreciation format

Answer 14

• The circumstances, facts or influences which impact on the conduct of the operation
• Each factor should be considered regarding its impact on the operational plan and how it might be mitigated against.
• Factors can be listed and then discussed by asking, “So what?” to focus on the impact, and then by discussing “therefore” to address any mitigation.

Question 15

“So what?” focuses on the …?

Answer 15

… impact

Question 16

“Therefore?” addresses the …

Answer 16

… mitigation and contributes to the shaping of the plan.

Question 17

Command and control environments

The Police Command and Control System will be utilised in a variety of environments including:

Answer 17

BUSINESS as usual
PLANNED operations
SPONTANEOUS operations.
CRITICAL & MAJOR incidents
Rising TIDE incidents

Question 18

What are the 4 functions undertaken at the strategic command level

Answer 18

• Command the OVERALL police response
• Command MULTIPLE operational level activities (eg cross-district events)
• Command the COMMUNITY consultation response
• Provide a LIAISON between the Operation and the Police Executive, government, media and agencies

Question 19

What is an appreciation?

Answer 19

An appreciation is a process for problem-solving and decision-making.

It follows a set process so that factors and alternatives are considered

Question 20

An outline plan should cover what:

Answer 20

• Situation - the background to the operation
• Mission - generally a further development of the aim
• Execution - what is to be done, when will it be done, how is it to be done, where it is to be done, who will do it?

Question 21

Operation Orders and the briefing of police personnel should be issued in what format.

Answer 21

GSMEAC consists of the key headings of:
• Ground
• Situation
• Mission
• Execution
• Administration and Logistics
• Command and Signals

Question 22

For any situations broadcast over the radio, What is the sequence of information known as the 6 steps?

Answer 22

Answer:
Summary of incident, including weapons
Time delay
Direction of travel
Mode of travel
Description of offender/vehicles
Additional relevant information (hazards, weapons etc)