Police-Encounters-With-People-In-Crisis

Procedure
This Procedure has been divided in three levels of operation: Level 1 – Emergency Response, Level 2 –
Major Incident and Level 3 – Disaster Incident. Whether an incident is a Level 1, 2 or 3 will be
determined by proper assessment and the application of identified criteria.
Depending upon the circumstances, the emergency response can begin at any one of the three levels,
and includes the steps in the previous levels.
Emergency Planning
The Service has enhanced its emergency planning ability by the creation of the Emergency Preparedness
Committee (EPC). The EPC is mandated to increase the emergency preparedness; planning, mitigating,
responding to and recovering from emergency incidents.
To achieve this mandate, the EPC has established sub-committees reflective of the Incident Management
System (IMS): Public Information, Health and Safety, Investigative, Operations, Planning, Logistics, and
Administration and Finance. Emergency Management & Public Order (EM&PO) plays an integral role in
the EPC as their members are active in each of the sub–committees.
The EPC also works closely with external stakeholders promoting emergency preparedness and
positively contributing to a cohesive emergency response as required.
Incident Management System (IMS)
The IMS is based on a doctrine enacted by the Ministry of Correctional Services and Community Safety
that recommends IMS as the emergency preparedness model in Ontario. The Ontario Association of
Chiefs of Police (OACP) has adopted the IMS as the recommended emergency preparedness system for
Ontario police services. The IMS can be used in any size or type of emergency to manage response
personnel, facilities and equipment.
The basic modules of the IMS can be expanded or contracted to meet the requirements of the incident as
it progresses. Implementation of the IMS is recommended for all emergency responders in Ontario
thereby ensuring an effective and co-ordinated emergency response to large-scale and complex
emergency incidents. Chapter 10 – Appendix A provides a detailed chart of the IMS model.
Although the first member on scene assumes the role of Incident Commander, the Service has
established a cadre of trained Incident Commanders, capable of assuming incident command whenever
called upon do so.
As well, Emergency Management, a sub–unit of EM&PO, is staffed by members who respond to and
assist in the management of Level 2 – Major Incidents and Level 3 – Disaster Incidents.
Undertaking the strategic role, the PCC may be activated for Level 2 – Major Incident or Level 3 –
Disaster Incident emergencies and should be staffed according to the nature and scope of the event.
Such staffing will include an officer of sufficient training, rank and authority to access and redirect
personnel and materiel support as required, as well as liaise with other policing partners and external
agencies. It is recommended that once activated, staffing for command and control should follow the IMS
in compliance with Chapter 10 – Appendix A.
Although the IMS may be adopted in response to planned events, the directions in this Procedure are
intended for response to unplanned emergencies.
TPS Policy & Procedure Manual R.O. 2014.05.05–0599 3 of 11
10–01 Emergency Incident Response