Hard times always come. Whether natural disasters, economic downturns, or social disorder, we can expect at some point our families, businesses, and communities will face difficulties. Every individual must take the critical action necessary to prepare for whatever may come.
In the event of a severe disruption in the normal pattern of life, it’s important law enforcement agencies, elected officials, engaged individuals, and community leaders recognize the likelihood of criminal misconduct, and the potential for widespread disorder.
Sheriffs, police chiefs, and law enforcement are on the front line in protecting and preserving social order and public safety. They must plan and prepare in advance of any emergency to coordinate their efforts with those of other community leaders.
Here’s a detailed guide for law enforcement leaders and officers on how to prepare, provide support, and collaborate effectively.
- Prepare in Advance
- Develop Comprehensive Crisis Response Plans: Law enforcement leaders must create detailed crisis response plans that include protocols for different types of emergencies, such as natural disasters, economic collapse, or civil unrest. These plans should cover public safety, law enforcement deployment, emergency communication, and coordination with other agencies.
- Department and Agency Collaboration: The agencies of federal, state, and Local law enforcement should collaborate on planning together, recognizing the unique needs of local law enforcement in each community.
- Train Officers for Crisis Scenarios: Provide specialized training for officers on crisis management, disaster response, crowd control, and de-escalation techniques. Officers should be prepared for a wide range of challenges, including handling looting, violence, evacuations, and maintaining public order while minimizing force. Rules of engagement in varying scenarios should be understood by every officer.
- Ensure Sufficient Resources: Stockpile essential law enforcement supplies such as emergency equipment, communication tools, medical kits, and backup power generators. Secure adequate fuel and vehicle maintenance to ensure mobility during emergencies.
- Build Strong Community Relations: Establish trust within the community before a crisis occurs. Proactively engage with community leaders, faith groups, business owners, and residents. Hold regular public meetings and outreach programs that promote transparency, safety, and communication.
- Coordinate with Other Agencies: Work closely with emergency services, fire departments, healthcare providers, and local government agencies to ensure coordinated responses. Develop mutual aid agreements with neighboring jurisdictions to provide backup and resource-sharing in times of need.
- Individual Officer Survey: Survey the officers in each department and agency and list where they live, which have families, and updated contact information. Factor this information into the mobilization plan accounting for the time it takes officers to ensure their families are safe.
- Redundant and Reliable Communications: Create alternative means of communication in the event of power loss and/or cellular disruption.
- Provide Material Support for the Community
- Assist in Resource Distribution: Detail the ways in which law enforcement is expected to help ensure the safe and orderly distribution of food, water, medical supplies, and other essential goods. The plan should recognize the need for officer to provide security at distribution centers and assist in delivering resources to vulnerable populations.
- Provide Shelter and Medical Assistance: Law enforcement must also be a visible presence at temporary shelters that may be set up for those displaced by a natural disaster. A plan should detail how and when law enforcement will assist with transporting individuals to medical facilities or help coordinate access to care for those injured or in need of medical attention.
- Ensure Public Access to Safe Zones: Plans should designate “safe zones” where residents can gather for shelter, food, water, and information. Law enforcement should be present to direct traffic, manage crowds, screen guests, and ensure order.
- Patrol and Protect Key Infrastructure: The plan should identify vulnerable infrastructure such as health care facilities, power plants, water treatment facilities, and designated distribution centers. A detailed deployment plan should be devised to provide for the security of vulnerable locations and preserve the safety of vital resources.
- Work with Churches, Business Owners, NGOs, Law Enforcement Agencies, Elected Officials, and Engaged Individuals
- Collaborate with Faith Leaders: Faith-based organizations are often central to community outreach during a crisis. Law enforcement should develop relationships with faith leaders in advance of an emergency. The mobilization plan should integrate the likelihood churches, synagogues, and mosques will likely serve as shelters, resource centers and safe havens for their own members and surrounding communities. In addition, the relationships of faith leaders with vulnerable communities should be leveraged to encourage calm and ameliorate against tension. For more detail, see the In Trust Network’s guide to Emergency Action Steps for Faith Leaders.
- Partner with Business Owners: Make business owners part of the planning process. Expect especially to engage with those that provide essential services like food, water, fuel, and other essentials. They are critical during emergencies and often early targets for looters. Detail a plan to protect and secure critical businesses, and work with owners to ensure there’s a plan to distribute essential goods fairly and safely. For more detail, see the In Trust Network’s Emergency Action Steps for Business Owners.
- Engage NGOs and Community Organizations: NGOs often specialize in areas such as food distribution, medical care, and mental health services. Law enforcement planning should include outreach to these organizations and preparations to streamline relief efforts, ensure public safety at distribution points, and assist in managing the flow of resources in times of emergency. For more detail, see the In Trust Network’s Emergency Action Steps for NGO’s.
- Collaborate with Other Law Enforcement Agencies: In a widespread crisis, its unlikely any single law enforcement agency will manage alone. A plan that properly considers the means by which state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies will communicate and work together will ensure seamless collaboration in an emergency. Mutual aid agreements, resource sharing, and joint task forces can amplify the response effort.
- Coordinate with Elected Officials: Law enforcement and local officials should plan together with community leaders how decisions will be made about issues related to curfews, resource distribution, and public safety. Regular communication with local leaders can help in the swift implementation of emergency measures. Likewise, individual agencies should be in touch with designated representatives in state and federal offices responsible for the deployment of national guard, tactical units, and other emergency personnel and resources. For more detail, see the In Trust Network’s Emergency Action Steps for Elected Officials.
- Empower Community Volunteers and Leaders: Engaged individuals and community leaders can be powerful allies during crises. Law enforcement should identify and collaborate with the leaders of local groups who will likely source most volunteers. Holding planning meetings in advance of emergencies will help law enforcement and other officials tap local knowledge essential to the efficient distribution of resources, neighborhood monitoring, and the timely reports of potential threats or problems. For more detail, see the In Trust Network’s Emergency Action Steps for Every Individual.
- Ensure the Peace, Security, and Safety of the Community
- Maintain Law and Order with Compassion: In times of crisis, law enforcement must strike a balance between enforcing laws and showing empathy. Officers should prioritize the safety and well-being of citizens while using force only when necessary to protect life and property. De-escalation techniques should be the first line of response to prevent violence.
- Implement Curfews or Security Measures if Necessary: In extreme cases of unrest or widespread violence, law enforcement may need to enforce curfews or restrict movement. These measures should be communicated clearly and enforced fairly, with sensitivity to the needs of essential workers and vulnerable populations.
- Prevent Looting and Protect Vulnerable Areas: Officers must be deployed to protect businesses, vulnerable infrastructure, homes, and public spaces from looting, vandalism, or other crimes of opportunity that often arise during times of social breakdown. Prioritize protection of essential businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and hospitals; and vulnerable infrastructure such as water treatment, power plants, cellular services, and distribution centers.
- Provide Security at Community Shelters: If shelters are set up in schools, churches, or other public facilities, law enforcement should ensure these locations are secure. Officers can monitor for any threats, maintain order, and protect the safety of vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, and the disabled.
- Facilitate Safe Evacuations: In cases of natural disasters, law enforcement must assist in the evacuation of impacted populations. This includes setting up and securing evacuation routes, helping transport individuals who are unable to leave on their own, and providing guidance on where to find safety and resources.
- Support Mental Health and Crisis Intervention: Crises often exacerbate mental health issues and lead to heightened stress and conflict. Officers should be trained to identify signs of mental distress and work with mental health professionals to provide support. Nonviolent intervention methods are essential to keeping the peace and reducing trauma within the community.
- Universal Principles for Law Enforcement Leaders:
- Promote Transparency and Trust: Communication is key to maintaining public trust during a crisis. Law enforcement must communicate openly and regularly with the community, explaining their actions and keeping the public informed about safety measures, evacuation procedures, and other critical updates.
- Lead by Example: Law enforcement leaders should lead with calm, clear-headed decision-making. This can inspire confidence in both officers and the community, preventing panic and fostering a spirit of cooperation.
- Focus on Community-Oriented Policing: Law enforcement efforts should prioritize relationship-building and community trust. This approach involves engaging with community leaders, residents, and organizations to work together in maintaining peace and ensuring public safety.
- Encourage Resilience and Self-Sufficiency: Law enforcement can help empower communities by encouraging preparedness and resilience. This includes promoting emergency preparedness plans within neighborhoods and fostering collaboration between individuals and local groups to care for one another in times of need.
By preparing in advance, providing material and logistical support, and collaborating with other stakeholders; federal, state, and local law enforcement can help ensure the safety, security, and peace of the community during and after a crisis. Compassion, transparency, and collaboration are key to maintaining order while serving the needs of the people.
