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 approximately 120 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. New GIS software is giving us 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:

• DC Emergency Information Center
• MPDC Emergency Response Plan
• Crisis Planning for Private Facilities*
• Operation TIPP - Terrorist Incident Prevention Program
• Family Emergency Preparedness Guide (DC EMA)
• Emergency Alert System (DC EMA)
• Terrorist Threat Advisory System (DC EMA)
• Emergency Preparedness Training (DC EMA)
• Emergency Response Progress (Video, DC EMA)
• Department of Homeland Security
• Planning and Prevention for Emergencies and Disasters (Department of Homeland Security)

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