Department of Corrections

Critical Response and

Emergency Response Manual

DON’T LEARN SAFETY BY ACCIDENT!!

Emergency Response Do you know what you should do in the

following situations?• Violence in the Workplace• Blackout/Power Failure• Earthquake/Floods• Acts of Terrorism• Tornado/Lightning Storm• Riot• Bomb Threat• Hazardous Materials Accident• Hostage• Fire/Explosion• Medical Emergencies• Critical Incidents

What’s an Emergency?What’s an Emergency?(1) A situation requiring immediate action to protect life or

prevent an escape; (2) A situation when maintaining control of inmates or operations within the institution appears to be

outside the capability of the institution’s resources; (3) Lives are in immediate danger or the large-scale destruction of state property is imminent; (4) Major disturbances including riots,

mass escape, and disasters.

Emergency Response•NDOC Policy, Facility NDOC Policy, Facility Emergency Plans spells out the Emergency Plans spells out the requirements for all NDOC requirements for all NDOC facilitiesfacilities

•Each Facility has their own site Each Facility has their own site specific emergency planspecific emergency plan

•Get with your Supervisor to Get with your Supervisor to review your facility Emergency review your facility Emergency Procedures if you have Procedures if you have questions questions

Emergency PhasesEmergency Phases

Yellow AlertYellow Alert = One short blast on the siren Red Alert = Two short blast on the siren Command Response PhaseCommand Response Phase = Three blast Resolution Phase = No alarm is given All ClearAll Clear = Five short blast on the siren Deactivation Phase = No alarm sounded

Internal Response Do you know how to respond when Do you know how to respond when

assistance is needed within your assistance is needed within your facility?facility?

What is your role during a What is your role during a response?response?

Is there a difference in levels of Is there a difference in levels of response? i.e:response? i.e:• “Code Red” vs. “Code Green”

• “Mayday” vs. “Staff assistance”

Protocol During Response If enough staff have responded to

control the situation, no other staff should leave their post unless another call comes requesting additional staff.

When responding listen to communication that may indicate special instructions needed and/or “All Clear”

Safety First! Use caution when responding to an internal emergency - many work related injuries occur during response.

Tips When Responding Its not a race against the clock. Take

the time required to assess the situation & communicate with other staff responding.

There is always time to huddle and communicate a plan.

In the event that a physical intervention is already in progress when back-up arrives, staff will not become part of the intervention unless instructed by the lead person.

Shift Supervisor or designee will ensure that a debriefing occurs.

Role of Staff Responding Back-up is Back-up - you are

not in charge of the situation unless instructed to be.

Follow directions and do what is asked.

Enter quickly but not aggressively.

Don’t leave until the situation is under control - and Debrief when necessary.

Use judgment and common sense.

Warning Signs Unusual restlessness Increased number of sullen or depressed

inmates Increasing amounts of disciplinary action Increases in inmate store purchases -

inmates stocking up in anticipation of a lockdown

Warning Signs Racial segregation and grouping Increase in contraband weapons discovery

(during routine pat searches) Increased number of transfer requests Inmates spending large amounts of time

inside their assigned cells

Warning Signs Drop in number of inmate workers Groupings with “point men” observing in

all directions Increasing numbers of inmate - staff

confrontations Inmates requesting Administrative

Segregation

Warning Signs Groups of inmates attempting to intimidate

staff members Veiled or open threats, i.e., “You will get

yours” Letters or phone calls from family

concerned about individual inmates safety and security

Warning Signs Demands for special security measures Demands for safety from inmates Increase in acts of violence Unusually quiet or somber mood within

facility Inmates fearful of talking to staff members

Warning Signs Inmates that you have previously had good

rapport with avoiding eye contact Jeering or verbal abuse from inmates Increasing number of inmates at sick call Anti-authority graffiti or posters News media inquiries about prison

conditions

Warning Signs Obvious agitation Increase in number of employee

resignations or transfer requests Specific inmate demands Any overt warning or note

Action Imperative! ! !

Beware………

How to Improve Decision-Making Under Stress

Have a comprehensive crisis management plan

Have clearly defined objectives Stay current on pertinent info Include others in decision-making process

How to Improve Decision-Making Under Stress

Avoid the action imperative Use action criteria Conduct regular crisis simulation training Learn to deal with stress

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