doc_1835941

WINDERMERE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS Effective Date: November 5, 202 5  Rescinds  Amends 6.8 (December 13, 2022) Number: 6.8 SUBJECT : Unusual Occurrences Print Date: 11/05/25 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: March This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Definitions 4. Procedures 1. Purpose It is the purpose of this policy to provide sufficient guidelines for the handling of unusual occurrences , even those not specifically mentioned in this written directive. These guidelines will be reviewed at the discretion of command staff, but at a mini mum on an annual basis. 2. Policy It is the policy of the Windermere Police Department to have a readiness plan for emergency incidents that is adaptable to the diversity of problems encountered by law enforcement. 3. Definitions A. Barricad ed Suspect - A person who has taken a position of confinement to avoid apprehension. The intent to avoid apprehension may be displayed through refusal to cooperate with law enforcement authorities; passive actions of resistance such as fleeing, or refusin g to exit a vehicle or building; overt actions such as fighting with law enforcement authorities; and/or by verbal expressions of defiance. 6.8, Page 2 B. Command Post - The field headquarters from which the command staff member will supervise an operation. The command post will be out of sight of the actual scene, and secluded from gunfire and other hazards. C. High Risk Incident - An incident involving an act of violence or potential acts of violence, in which innocent persons and/or law enforcement members may be at a severe tactical disadvantage, and/or exposed to extreme danger. D. Hostage Incident - When one or more persons are being unwillingly and illegally confined with an actual or implied use of force. E. Incident Commander - The person who is authorized to direct the actions of law enforcement members, and is responsible for any law enforcement action, at a scene. The incident commander is responsible for the au thorization of a preplanned use of force, up to and including deadly force. F. Incident Command System - A systematic tool used for the command, control , and coordination of an emergency response. G. Inner Perimeter - The immediate area surrounding an inci dent that is regulated by law enforcement members to contain the incident within that specific geographical area. H. Outer Perimeter - A second perimeter established outside the inner perimeter that is designed to prevent persons and traffic from gaining a ccess into the problem area. I. Unusual Occurrences – Those law enforcement situations resulting from certain types of emergencies or unexpected situations, which would be difficult for routine operations to handle such as a natural disaster, civil disturban ce, or hazardous material incident. 4. Procedures A. The Windermere Police Department will follow the Incident Command System (ICS) in accordance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Incident Command System training received at the academy can be accepted for new hires. C urrent members will receive training periodically to include, but not limited to, include hurricane preparedness, hostage situations, active shooter , and similar hi gh risk incidents. All members will be familiar with the 7 Critical Tasks 6.8, Page 3 used in the Incident Command System. The preservation of human life must always be the preeminent factor in determining a course of action. 1. System Activation Criteria The In cident Command System shall be activated when an incident: a. Involves multiple agencies or jurisdictions, b. Requires significant resource coordination, c. Is expected to exceed a single operational period, d. Presents high risk to live, property, or critical infrastructure, or e. Is designated by a commanding officer. 1. 7 Critical Tasks a. Assess the situation b. Identify the danger zone c. Establish inner perimeter d. Establish outer perimeter e. Establish incident command post f. Establish a staging area g. Request additional resources 2. Communications a. Establish emergency radio traffic. b. Notify the on duty supervisor. If the on duty supervisor is not available, notify any member of command staff. c. Begin written notations of pertinent information for the Public Information Officer. d. Upon authorization from a supervisor or command staff member, initiate a call -out for additional per sonnel. 6.8, Page 4 e. Upon authorization from a command staff member or supervisor, request assistance from other agencies. f. Hold all non -emergency service calls and advise the caller of a probable delay in response time. g. Direct all media to a media staging area to meet with the Public Information Officer. h. Upon authorization from a supervisor or command staff member, notify a department chaplain to respond. 3. First Sworn Member on Scene a. The first sworn member on scene shall notify Communications they are the Inc ident Commander, until such time the member is relieved by a supervisor or higher authority. b. When feasible, render medical assistance to any injured persons. Alert communications if there is a need of additional medical personnel. Remove at -risk or injured persons from areas of probable danger. c. Assess the incident for potential danger to the public, possibility of flight by any suspect, and other pertinent information. d. Alert responding members to p otentially dangerous