Police-Encounters-With-People-In-Crisis

Communication Strategy
In order to ensure the safety of the public, emergency responders and Service members, an effective
communication strategy is vital to impart crucial information to all involved at the beginning, during and at
the completion of an emergency. When developing a communication strategy, the Incident Commander
shall ensure Corporate Communications is consulted, and that the following are considered
• the target audience (general public, other agencies, Service members)
• the information to include in the communication
• the form of communication (public address, radio/television, telephone, news releases)
• will the communication be accessible to the target audience
LEVEL 1 – EMERGENCY RESPONSE
All Members
1. In addition to the provisions of this Procedure, shall also comply with the procedure addressing
the specific incident, if applicable.
First Member
2. When responding to an emergency incident shall
• exercise caution when approaching the site, particularly when hazardous materials are
indicated or suspected
• designate a line of approach to the scene that allows for the least risk possible and notify
the Communications Operator – Communications Services (Communications Operator) of
this route
• assess the situation and notify the Communications Operator of
− the type of incident
− the location and extent of damage
− potential hazards
− the need for additional members and specialized response
− the need for a supervisory officer to attend
− whether immediate traffic diversion is required
− whether Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or Toronto Fire Services (TFS) response
and equipment are required
− the location of the command post, if necessary
• take charge of the scene, assuming the role of the initial Incident Commander and
implement IMS as required until relieved of these duties (refer to Chapter 10 – Appendix A
for IMS chart and position profiles)
• if not a police officer, take charge of the scene until relieved by the first attending police
officer
• assign members to complete necessary functions such as
− securing inner and outer perimeter in compliance with Chapter 10 – Appendix A, if
necessary
− clearing access and egress routes for responding emergency vehicles
TPS Policy & Procedure Manual R.O. 2014.05.05–0599 4 of 11
10–01 Emergency Incident Response