Trying to predict risks is a risk in itself. It is, of course, difficult to quantify numerically the overarching risk involving a particular asset. However, the more complex the assessment model used, the less likely it is that most people will understand it and the greater effort that must be made to explain and use the results.
Decision makers, managers, and responders who focus on special needs populations require additional planning to ensure the safe evacuation and well-being, following a major disaster, of those entrusted to their care. Among those populations, there are three distinct groups - those with transportation; those without transportation; and those who cannot or do not want to evacuate.
Some statistical data suggest that the crime rate is rising along the U.S.-Mexico border and "spilling over" into the United States. Other data, however, suggest that such crime has actually declined in recent years. The differing results are greatly affected by the definition of "spillover," gathering and interpreting accurate statistics, and taking a closer look at the problem from the perspective of those living near the border itself.
First responders have been specially trained to deal with fires, active shooters, hazardous materials, and other threats to public safety - but they are not as prepared for an attack that involves a combination of those threats, or even simultaneous attacks at several locations. One possible solution: Multi-discipline training to cope with, and defeat, multiple simultaneous threats.
The top priority of the responders who are called to a fire or other incident, of course, is scene safety. To reduce the chances of those responders becoming victims themselves, fire departments should communicate and work closely with law enforcement agencies to better understand the perimeters and resources that the law enforcement community uses to protect responders.
Although the Incident Command System (ICS) concept has been available for use since 1968, many law enforcement agencies are still faced with difficulties implementing ICS each and every time it is needed. When implemented properly, ICS can prevent some officers from dying in the line of duty.
The most cost-effective way to fight crime may well be to prevent it from happening in the first place. Current predictive software is helping law enforcement agencies combat crime by directing their limited resources to the locations where they will be most useful. However, doing so may raise certain legal concerns in the future.
Members of terrorist organizations such as al-Qaida follow a general, albeit loose, organizational/leadership structure, which includes planning and communicating with other members of their group or cell. The sometimes greater danger posed by lone wolves, on the other hand, is that they are not limited by the views and actions of other members and not as susceptible to having their plans and communications intercepted and disclosed.
Immediately following an incident, the truly "first" responders usually are private citizens. However, the private sector's responsibilities really begin by: identifying the warning signs, understanding the roles each citizen plays in the four phases of emergency management, and educating and training individual responders.
Hazardous material threats come in many forms and can be found in any law enforcement jurisdiction. When police officers and other responders encounter such threats their lives and the safety of many others may depend on them knowing what to do and how to do it. Training them, and helping them train others, may significantly reduce the number of casualties in future toxic-agent or biological incidents.
