Patrol Operations and Incident Command
Domain focus
This section tests patrol management and incident command: establishing command, organizing resources, securing a scene, and coordinating multiple agencies without freelancing.
Core rules and concepts
- NIMS/ICS principles include common terminology, modular organization, management by objectives, incident action planning, manageable span of control, integrated communications, and accountability.
- Unity of command means each person reports to one supervisor. Unified command is used when agencies share authority and jurisdiction.
- Set operational periods and a clear incident action plan. Assign operations, planning, logistics, and finance/administration as the incident grows.
- Establish a command post, staging area, perimeter, traffic plan, media area, and safety officer early.
- At active-threat scenes, the first priority is stopping the threat; rescue task forces and tactical teams follow. Do not hold arriving units at a distant staging point when immediate action is needed.
Worked example
A barricaded person with a firearm prompts calls from three towns and the State Police. The lieutenant establishes command, confirms a perimeter and evacuation, assigns a tactical team, negotiators, traffic, and a public information officer, and requests mutual aid through the proper channel. The lieutenant does not personally enter the inner perimeter. Reasoning: the commander's job is to set objectives, allocate resources, and maintain a common operating picture; personally taking a tactical role collapses command and creates confusion.
Traps that cost marks
- Allowing multiple commanders to issue tactical orders.
- Assigning too many direct reports to one supervisor.
- Omitting a safety officer and medical plan.
- Failing to document resource requests and operational periods.
- Letting media or bystanders occupy the command post area.