Issue Brief 4 - Interoperable Communications Training and Exercises: Creating Processes, Tools, and Techniques

• NCJ Number: 224938
• Author(s): Julie Stinson; Dan Hawkins
• Date Published: May 2007
• Length: 8 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2004-IN-WX-K002
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
• Corporate Author: SEARCH - National Consortium for Justice Information and Statistics
• Sale Source: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Issue Brief of the COPS Interoperable Communications Technology Program; downloaded November 26, 2008.

Annotation

After defining “interoperability training,” this report discusses training methods and delivery as well as the preparation and practice of communications interoperability exercises.

Abstract

“Interoperable communications training” is the “process of instilling skills and improving performance of emergency responders through effective use of communications policies, procedures, and technologies.” Such training prepares emergency responders to communicate effectively with personnel from multiple and diverse agencies involved in joint responses to catastrophic incidents. In discussing training methods and delivery for interoperable communications training, this report recommends training in context (training in the field under realistic job conditions); direct delivery (training provided by the communications technology or services vendor directly to an agency’s staff); and training the trainer (training a select few agency representatives who will then train fellow employees). Audiences for interoperable communications training should include new recruits attending academies, current public safety first responders, personnel in emergency operation centers, dispatchers, support agencies, mutual aid partners, and representatives from other agencies within the same response area. Since exercises are a critical component of an agency’s overall training program, this report recommends exercises for interoperable communications training. It describes discussion-based exercises and operations-based exercises. The report also outlines the work-flow elements for a “readiness assessment” for a training exercise. The work flow for an exercise readiness assessment involves interviews with participants; documentation of gaps in communications interoperability readiness; development of a tactical interoperable communications plan; development of a plan for tactical interoperable communications during the exercise; outreach and training support; the distribution of support equipment and information; conducting and evaluating the exercise; and producing an after-action report. 1 figure