Incident Response Protocols

     

Department of Public Safety


Outlined below are the major steps taken by Public Safety Department when notified of a real or potential major on-campus incident. These steps are taken from the Standard Operating Procedures of the Public Safety Department.

Examples of Major Incidents:

  • Bomb Threats
  • Fire
  • Smoke Condition
  • Gas Leak

Response Steps:

Regardless of the type of major incident, the following steps apply:

  1. Initial Assessment: Any event must be initially evaluated for appropriate response measures.
  2. Life Safety Assurance: Any threat to the lives of safety of individuals will be addressed immediately.
  3. Population Welfare: Action must be taken to shelter and care for the affected population.
  4. Protection of Property: Action must be taken to limit and control property damage.
  5. Recovery: Action must be taken to return to normal operations and fully recover. This phase may include post-incident evaluation, investigations into property damage and personnel injury.

PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT RESPONSE

The responses are listed generally in priority order, although it is likely that several will occur concurrently.

  • Dispatch officers to area.
  • Field officers report conditions.
  • Supervisor makes decisions on course of action.
  • Establish a command post in Public Safety.
  • Notify senior administrative staff of the incident and actions taken.
  • Block off the affected area (s)/building (s) from pedestrian traffic.
  • Assign officers at exit doors to assist in evacuation and secure area.
  • Utilize bullhorns, police vehicle PA systems, building PA/fire alarm system to direct actions personnel should take, e.g., evacuate building, stay inside.
  • Communicate with other 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ departments including Physical Plant, 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ Hazmat Response Team.
  • Communicate with outside agencies including Newark Police Department and Fire Department, Essex County, and EMS.
  • Notify university community through use of the E-mail Blast and the university web site.
  • Block off surrounding city streets to vehicle and pedestrian traffic if necessary.
  • Maintain all communications until the situation is resolved, providing updates and resolution information.
  • Return campus to normal operations.