From: OFC K. A. SODIMU--MPDC--4D--PSA-401 <mpdc2368@comcast.net>
Metropolitan Police Department

September is National Preparedness Month. Are you ready? Be ready -
Make a Plan.

For More information Visit: WWW.HSEMA.DC.GOV.

Emergency Preparedness and Homeland Security

http://www.mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/cwp/view,a,1237,q,547382,mpdcNav_GID,1547.asp

The DC Emergency Threat Level is Yellow.

The MPDC is concerned about the threat of terrorism and the department
works closely with other government and community agencies to enhance
the city's preparedness.
All MPDC officers have received basic training and have been equipped
with personal protection gear. Depending on a member's individual
assignment, he or she has been equipped with appropriate gear in the
event of a chemical or biological attack. Civilians in non-operational
assignments have been fitted for and issued breathing apparatus and
trained in their use.

More specialized personnel-including our Special Threat Action
Team-have received more extensive training and equipment to respond to
potential terrorism threats. The Special Threat Action Team (STAT) is
made up of several dozen officers who are specially trained and
equipped to respond to a variety of incidents, to assess the
situation, and to provide critical direction on how emergency agencies
and the public should respond. They play an absolutely vital role in
any emergency response. STAT officers have received extensive and
up-to-date training in areas such as hazardous materials, nerve agents
and other threats. And to promote their own safety and the safety of
the public, all STAT members are in the process of being trained as EMTs.

In addition, our Joint Operations Command Center (JOCC) is available
to help coordinate the public safety response in the event of an
emergency. Using emergency preparedness funds, the MPDC has made
significant upgrades to our JOCC, which is used by the MPD, other DC
government agencies, as well as federal and local public safety
agencies in the region, to help manage major events. The department
procured new software that supports the capture, analysis and sharing
of information during critical incidents. GIS software give police
more geographic-based information in the JOCC, which is important not
only during major events, but also in support of everyday
crime-fighting efforts. The video teleconferencing system was upgraded
to allow for more real-time communication with district stations, and
enhancements to our Closed Circuit Television system were made,
including the addition of the District Department of Transportation's
traffic cameras. Additionally, the department ! procured new
communications and surveillance technology that will help us gather
and share information during a major incident, when normal
communications media may not be functioning properly.

Here are some additional resources related to emergency preparedness:

a.. DC Emergency Information Center
b.. MPDC Emergency Response Plan
c.. Operation TIPP (Terrorist Incident Prevention Program)
d.. Crisis Planning for Private Facilities*
e.. Transportation Tips and Evacuation/Event Maps (DDOT)
f.. Family Emergency Preparedness Guide (DC EMA)
g.. Be Ready, Make a Plan (National Capital Region communities)
h.. Emergency Alert System (DC EMA)
i.. Terrorist Threat Advisory System (DC EMA)
j.. Emergency Preparedness Training (DC EMA)
k.. Department of Homeland Security
l.. Planning and Prevention for Emergencies and Disasters (Department
of Homeland Security)
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OFFICER K. A. SODIMU.
M. P. D. C.
4TH DISTRICT.
P. S. A.-- 401.