NCJ Number
143083
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This British study examines the role of a local- incident commander during a major incident within a Prison Service establishment.
Abstract
The research was conducted by interviewing 10 persons who commanded prison incidents effectively over the past 18 months. These key informers ranged from Governor 3 to Governor 1 levels. Additionally, 10 persons who had been involved in major incidents and worked within the command suite on more than one occasion were also interviewed. The interview technique was based on the critical incident technique. Two groups of governors who had taken part in the incident command course and have live-incident experience were also involved in a group interview based on repertory grid analyses. Based on the information obtained, the study concludes that the role of local-incident command is to deliver leadership to the command team and staff, provide the structure and organization to overcome the incident, and present objectives by making decisions in terms of strategy and tactics. These objectives are designed to return the establishment to equilibrium. A number of key issues discussed by respondents related to command teams, aids to task completion, and command-chain issues. 11 references