Law Enforcement

The Management of Mass-Fatality Incidents

August Vernon June 9, 2023

Most if not quite all U.S. public-safety agencies, at all levels of government, can effectively manage one or two fatalities, and they do so on a regular basis in communities large and small throughout the country. A mass-fatality incident, however – which can arguably be defined as one “in which more deaths occur than can be handled by local resources” – is a much more daunting challenge.A mass-fatality event can occur from several types of…

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Washington State’s Radiological Outreach and Training Program

Allen Conklin June 9, 2023

The terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 forever changed everyone’s view of readiness, especially in the field of radiation. The possibility of a terrorist cell using radioactive or nuclear material as a weapon has raised the consciousness of the Washington State Department of Health, the leaders of which wanted to

Service Animal Awareness in Disaster Response

Melissa Resnick June 7, 2023

Although they are companions to their human partners, service animals are not pets. Instead, they are trained to perform specific daily tasks, which are often still required when responders are assisting during a hurricane, mass casualty event, or another emergency. As such, emergency planning efforts should include service animals

The DoD Defense Coordinating Element and How It Is Certified

Patrick McNiece April 12, 2023

Besides the main mission of defending the homeland, Department of Defense capabilities also provide critical support to local, state, and federal civilian partners during major disasters. Learn how Army North’s defense coordinating element’s mission and composition ready their units to perform this additional mission when needed.

Guidance for Preparing Professionals Mentally for the Worst

James Greenstone and Weldon Walles March 22, 2023

Professional groups have debated and researched the best practices relating to the standards and quality of care sufficient to maintain minimum standards during a disaster. Due to the fluid nature of a disaster, it is difficult to abide by a standard that will fit every situation. For example, the onset

LAW ENFORCEMENT Archives

The Importance of Strong Leadership for a Unique Discipline

Catherine L. Feinman December 21, 2022

A transformational leadership style can help bridge relationship and communication gaps between leaders and other community stakeholders. Learn how one young deputy fire chief learned from

Find Chances to Make Positive Changes

Catherine L. Feinman November 30, 2022

Emergency preparedness and response professionals willingly insert themselves into many emergencies and disasters that they could have avoided in other professions. However, they use these

Avoiding the Complacency Trap After This Hurricane Season

Mark Misczak November 23, 2022

Despite punishing hurricanes in Puerto Rico and Florida, the 2022 season has been relatively quiet for much of the Gulf coast and Atlantic seaboard. This

Switch to Online Enables Active Shooter Training for All

Michael Melton November 16, 2022

Since the emergence of COVID-19, many trainings have had to adapt to an online presence. In one case, an active shooter training not only successfully

Training the Next Generation of Cyber Guardians

Steve Stein November 2, 2022

Despite small local governments being overrun with malware, ransomware, and myriad other threats, it is difficult to find experienced cybersecurity professionals. Meanwhile, students search for nonexistent entry-level