Critical Incidents in Policing
Functions for summary from the National Response Framework (NRF).
Two functions that are clearly highlighted by the NRF which are impactive in the all hazards approach to dealing with emergencies are communications and public safety and security. The report stipulates that the benefits of communication in disaster and emergency response outweigh the shortcomings and this form of communication should be encouraged worldwide (Champion, 2005 p.43). According to the report relevant authorities are working hard to address the issue of communication security and confidentiality to create a framework that will safeguard the interests of citizens and service providers (Hess, Orthmann & Cho, 2014 p.34). According to this function, some countries around the world have poor infrastructure in terms of communication knowledge and accessibility of the internet and e-mail services to be precise(Landesman, 2006 p.29). It is upon developed and advanced nations to facilitate the spread of this communication technology for the benefit of others in need.
The second function highlighted by NRF is public safety and security. The report notes that the government should do better with regard to public safety and security. For every county and public institution, security should be a rudimentary concern similar to holding track of costs and revenues, or strategic designing(Champion, 2005 p.26). To further this aim, the report suggests a normative structure for how the government should protect citizens and ensure their safety. The report proposes that in order to ensure public safety, there is a need to announce policymakers, including assembly as they develop answers, principles, and promise regulations governing security(Hess, Orthmann & Cho, 2014 p.28).The structure is conceived to assist as a public safety policy vehicle for close to privacy.
Summarization of police planning for an influenza pandemic case study
The first recommendation is to get an in depth and thorough understanding of the current threat. This is very important to do before setting the protocols that will help govern the plan of action incase of an outbreak. A thorough understanding of the threat ensures that proper measures are taken regarding the impact that the flu pandemic is going to have on society and the ability of the department to function properly(Hess, Orthmann & Cho, 2014 p.98). A clear understanding of the threat ensures that efficient planning is made regarding the steps to take and proper measures are taken to ensure that policies are changed depending on the environment(Landesman, 2006 p.31).
Another recommendation is that there should be expert consultation for help and assistance in case of a flu pandemic emergency(Hess, Orthmann & Cho, 2014 p.97). The officials associated with planning are advised to seek advice and professional opinion from the experts in case of a flu pandemic and work closely with public health officials to contain the situation (Landesman, 2006 p.23). Close co-relation with public health officials will ensure that the police are able to efficiently handle the situation and avoid panic or wide spread distress among the public.
Another recommendation pushed forward is that realistic goals and expectations should be set for the law enforcers. The officials should have expectations that are realistic and achievable(Hess, Orthmann & Cho, 2014 p.98). Their goals should be both accurate, and concise so that the expectations that are set regarding the flu scenario are achievable.Setting achievable expectations ensures that no unnecessary distress is placed on the law enforcement officials during the flu pandemic scenario. Balanced expectations ensure that goals set are attainable and no blame is placed upon the officials if they are unable to deliver.
Does media coverage of terrorist acts lead to more terrorism?
Media coverage of terrorist acts and violence is more likely to lead to more terrorism. As a starting point, it is important to acknowledge that media depiction of terrorism is indeed a dominant factors that influences violence in the youth and is more likely to transgress into terrorism(Hess, Orthmann & Cho, 2014 p.99). For this reason, it would be appropriate to dedicate as much attention and resources in terms of research to these factors as we do to media violence(Champion, 2005 p.38). Alternatively, policy makers can limit the media content regarding terrorism viewed by children at tender ages and monitor their progress through to their youth to try to determine if indeed media violence leads to violent behavior and increased terrorist cases.
Evidence and research suggest that increased exposure to terrorism and violence by the media has great influence in affecting cases of terrorism. Suggestions have been made to limit children’s’ exposure to violence and terrorism aired in most shows but even before the measures have been put in place, it is important to establish whether this is a lasting solution(Hess, Orthmann & Cho, 2014 p.103). I strongly believe that as a contributing factor, restrictions should be put in place. At the same time, it is important for the relevant bodies to acknowledge all other factors that lead to violent and aggressive behavior in order to address the issue in totality.
A good example is how the media constantly aired the September 9/11 attack on the USA which research shows led to an increase in terrorist sentiments and ideologies in America. Despite the fact that this cannot be solely attributed to the media, it cannot be ruled out that it is a major determinant in this aspect.
What danger exists by allowing the government to have more control and power over its citizens where terrorism is concerned?
There are some dangers associated with giving the government more control and power over its citizens. One danger is that the citizen’s safety becomes overshadowed by government policies. The concept of standalone government security policy regarding terrorism is likely to evolve from concern with how federal government utilized the personal identifying information of citizens if they have more power and control that is unregulated(Hess, Orthmann & Cho, 2014 p.134).
Another danger that would be posed to the public is that more power to the government on terrorism related issues would likely lead to a larger amount of personal confidential information to be aggregated and retrieved without the public’s permission. This inefficiency would likely trigger the realization that such measures would be a serious infringement on personal privacy and would have serious privacy implications(Hess, Orthmann & Cho, 2014 p.144).This regulation void by the government as a result of too much power related to terrorism would bring about many of the problems currently facing privacy policies, because unregulated government sanctions and policies would not be required to fulfill privacy practices.
Another danger is that the government is likely to misuse their power and control at the expense of the public. It would be very hard to pose any form of opposition or protest against any of their security policies related to terrorism since they would have veto power. This in turn would affect reform and policy making which will likely be biased and is likely not to be in the public’s interest(Hess, Orthmann & Cho, 2014 p.146).Too much control and power given to the government regarding terrorismissues would therefore pose a danger to the public.
References
Champion, D. J. (2005). The American dictionary of criminal justice: Key terms and major court cases. Los Angeles, Calif: Roxbury Pub.
Hess, K. M., Orthmann, C. M. H., & Cho, H. L. (2014). Police operations: Theory and practice. Clifton Park, N.Y: Delmar.
Landesman, L. Y. (2006). Public health management of disasters: The pocket guide. Washington, D.C: American Public Health Association.
