NCJ Number
132243
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 58 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1991) Pages: 49-50
Date Published
1991
Length
2 pages
Annotation
The New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy developed a "table top" exercise for law enforcement personnel promotion. The exercise, which involved a model of "Middletown, USA" and movable props including personnel, emergency vehicles, and traffic barricades, is designed to test ability in planning, control, and containment.
Abstract
The exercise tested several activities: decision making based on the occurrence of a critical incident, at-scene press interview, command post operation, press conference, written report, and public safety committee briefing. This table top exercise is adaptable to other locations and to all levels of command. The candidate for the exercise reads a brief scenario, has 10 minutes to plan his first moves, and then enters the situational room where he meets the facilitator and 3-member evaluation board. The facilitator assumes all roles of suspects, dispatcher, commander, and media with whom the candidate may interact during the exercise. The facilitator can also supply or deny requests for resources from the candidate. This type of simulation model gives an evaluation panel insight into how a candidate deals with a crisis. Most candidates feel the exercise is fair and stimulating and an effective way of testing abilities relevant to their job.