Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that MPD members understand and follow the appropriate protocol in response to large disturbances or events within a Phase I Alert.
Policy
Supervisors called to a large disturbance or event requiring resources beyond the capabilities of a single precinct may request a Phase I Alert. Only a Watch Commander, or in their absence the ranking supervisor, may declare a Phase I Alert. The appropriate Deputy Chief of Field Services shall be notified by MECC as soon as possible. General duties of personnel in a Phase I Alert are:
Members:
- If already at the scene of a disturbance, remain on the perimeter and await arrival of sufficient help.
- Those at the scene shall give a preliminary evaluation to the ranking member.
- Other available members within the precinct where the disturbance or emergency occurs shall proceed to the precinct station to obtain the necessary equipment and assignments.
- Designated precinct response cars and supervisors shall await instructions for reporting to the scene of the disturbance or emergency.
Supervisors:
- On-scene supervisors shall assume incident command of the situation and provide MECC an evaluation of the disturbance or emergency. A request for a separate radio channel should also be considered at this time.
- The on-scene supervisor shall notify the Watch Commander or other ranking member of the situation and any additional resources required.
Precinct Commander or Ranking Member:
- The Precinct Commander, Bureau Head or other ranking member will assume incident command and establish a Field Command Post (FCP).
- The incident commander will then decide the course of action and the appropriate incident command model/structure.
- The incident commander shall order the necessary personnel and equipment, beginning with the designated precinct response cars and supervisors.
Definitions
Refer to the Commonly Used Terms page for general definitions.
- Incident Commander:
The Incident Commander (IC) is the first officer or supervisor to arrive on the scene of a call for service where multiple units, scenes, or assisting agencies are dispatched. The Incident Commander has overall command of the incident, until properly relieved by a supervisor of higher rank if necessary, and will be based at the incident command post. The priorities of the Incident Commander include:
- Assess incident priorities.
- Determine strategic goals and tactical objectives, not related to the operations of SWAT or ESU personnel.
- Identify a staging area, if needed.
- Develop and implement incident action plan.
- Develop appropriate incident management structure.
- Assess resource needs.
- Coordinate overall on-scene emergency activities.
- Authorize information to be released to the media.
- MECC: Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center is the city's 911 center that answers emergency and non-emergency calls and coordinates the appropriate response by public safety services.