An Introduction to….. Tactical Communications Teams

1. “Practical Tactical” An Introduction to….. Tactical Communications Teams Presented by, Brad Reinert & Matt Markland Montgomery County Tactical Communications Team

2. Introduction • This presentation is meant to give you a basic understanding of what a Tactical Communications team is and how to interface it with the daily operation of the Communications Center as well as provide a basic insight into the requirements needed to form and implement a successful team.

3. What is a Tactical Communcations Team? • A group of specially trained telecommunicators that operate at local scenes of fires, police incidents, MCI’s, or pre-planned events that require the operation of a command post or that would otherwise strain the capabilities of the communications center.

4. What is the practical definition? • The team will be defined by your agencies needs and must be tailored to the requirements of the responders you serve and the type of incidents they respond to.

5. TCT Purpose • Manage Verbal and written communications at the Incident Command Post. Handle all communications in and out of the command post via radio, landline, cell phone, computer, or other means. • In addition the TCT can provide assistance in a support role to the IC in recording and administrative functions.

6. Getting Started! • In order to launch a successful Tactical Communications Team or TCT you will need the support of your agency managers as well as the “buy-in” of the Chiefs, SWAT Commanders, Elected officials and Emergency Management personnel of those jurisdictions you cover.

7. Getting Started! • Determine the needs of your agency • Will a TCT positively affect your operations • How will you select your team • Team size and structure • What type of training will you provide • Operating costs and budget • Equipment needed • Vehicles • FORM A PLAN!

8. Your Needs • Determine on what type of incidents your team will respond to and when. • Multi Alarm Fires • SWAT Callouts • Pre-Planned events such as Carnivals, Parades, PR Events and Bike races • Medical Facility Infrastructure Failures • Police Incidents (ex; Searches, Criminal investigations) • Other incidents at the IC’s request • At the request of the Communications Center???

9. How will the TCT affect your Operation? • While a core goal of the TCT is providing support to the Responders, you must not forget how the implementation will affect the operation of your Communications Center. When the team is deployed properly the goal is to reduce the strain on your operation caused by the incident or incidents.

10. How will you select your team? • Member selection is one of the most important processes in starting a team. • Candidates should be strong telecommunicators • Must be able to multi task and perform well in fluid environments • Should be able to commit to responses in their “off-duty” times • Must hold your agencies goals and beliefs in high regard • Should be able to function with little supervision • Requirements of drivers (EVOC, CDL, Clean driving record) • Maintain an “above average” evaluation rating • Field experience a PLUS but not needed • Ability to perform multiple functions within your center

11. How will you select your team? • Some agencies choose their members utilizing a detailed internal application and interview processes, while others find that it works better to “hand pick” telecommunicators based on every day observations of their supervisors and managers. The selection path you chose should suit your agency and should be flexible enough to change as your team evolves.

12. Team Size and Structure • The size and complexity of your team will vary greatly depending on the needs of your agency. • How many personnel does your center have • Number of people needed for an average call-out • How many people do you need to adequately serve your planned operations. • How many people can you afford to train and outfit • Start small and add if needed • Constantly re-evaluate Staffing

13. Team Size and Structure • Your team should have a well defined structure for use during incidents as well as every day operations of the team. • Team Coordinator, Group Leaders, Telecommunicators, Probationary TCT’s • How in depth your structure is will be dependant on how large or small your team is. • Consider on-call schedules when forming your structure

14. Training • Determine what specialized training your agency will require your TCT members to have. • NIMS/ICS • EVOC/CDL • Basic/Advanced Tactical dispatch/Incident dispatch • Training with agencies your team will work with • Tabletop and simulated incidents • “on the job” training or mentoring • Use networking and the internet as a tool to research new training. • COST?

15. Operating Costs/Budget • Factors to consider • Uniforms • Training • On-Call Pay • Overtime element for responses • Radios • “Go-Bags” • Vehicles and associated maintenance • Specialized equipment (Interoperability gateways) • Computers, Aircards and CAD interfaces

16. Equipment • The equipment your team has will depend on your budget and the individual needs of your team, some examples are; • Radios for team members • Stationary items for Drawings/Charts • Communications Vehicles • “Go-Bags” • Specialized equipment (Interoperability gateways) • Computers, Aircards and CAD interfaces • Cell Phones

17. Vehicles • Vehicle selection will be based on your agencies needs and budget. • Examples of “communications vehicles” can range from a SUV to a tractor trailer

18. Vehicles • When designing a vehicle it is best to involve the people who will be using the vehicle. • Considerations • Size of the vehicle • Type of equipment the vehicle needs to contain • CDL? • Can your members drive the vehicle • Number of positions • Conference area • COST!!!!! • REMEMBER – You do not need a “Communications Vehicle” to have an effective TCT!!!!!

19. Form A Plan • When proposing the idea of forming a team it is important that you formulate a plan. This should be one that can be presented to the managers of your center as well as the field providers that your agency works with. • Be ready to explain what the team is and how it would benefit all involved parties, it is important not to forget any costs associated and who would be responsible for those costs. • Start SMALL and be flexible.

20. FINALLY,…..Sell Your Idea • Organizing and forming your team are only the start. Be prepared to “Sell” your concept to the responders that your agency serves. • Chiefs Meetings/Seminars • Appearances at Company Trainings • 911 Center Tours • Brochures • Newsletters • Invite “them” to your trainings • Drills • Pre-Planned Events

21. Contact Information Brad Reinert Tactical Team Coordinator breinert@montcopa.org Matt Markland Tactical Team Group Leader mmarklan@montcopa.org