Case Study: Incident Command System

In 2001 the Queensland Police Service (QPS) embarked on research to develop an incident command system (ICS), specific to QPS needs, to be utilised for the efficient and effective management of an incident regardless of size or scale (QPS 2016, p. 1.7). This was incorporated after consultation with operational managers and a review of a number of incidents, which identified the need for an ICS and relevant training to be implemented into the QPS training curriculum.

QPS senior management identified an ICS developed in North America. After a 6 month trial the system was implemented in 2002. The main objective of the ICS was to allow a flexible process to facilitate an efficient, effective response to an incident, by formalising incident management
To allow for flexible management, this ICS is a system not a structure allowing adaption to suit a variety of applications. Each role is structurally integral and must be performed to manage the incident. The roles are interlocking allowing use by a single officer for small scale incidents (traffic crash) or multiple officers for large scale responses (major crime scene/siege). The roles are not rank specific and delegation will depend on the size and nature of the incident (QPS 2016 p.1.10).

At the commencement of an incident it is vital to establish command, control and coordinate a response (QPS 2016, p.1.13). This is the responsibility of the Police Forward Commander (PFC). Depending on the size and nature of the scene, the PFC may establish a Police Forward Command Post (PFCP) and be required to perform all ICS roles (QPS 2016, p.1.12). The PFC may delegate roles, with the exception of command, in order to function
Due to the scale of the scenario, the PFC would also assume the role of operations, and is responsible for the coordination and implementation of the IAP. The operations officer would consider resources required, specialist staff and external agencies that may be utilised to resolve the incident (QPS 2016, p.1.8).

The role of the planning officer is to gather, evaluate and develop information for use in the IAP. This includes being aware of the capabilities, strengths and weaknesses of all resources available. The planning officer would, in conjunction with other members of the ICS collate the IAP including a site map, set cordons, and manage resources and equipment.

The intelligence officer is responsible for the collation, evaluation and dissemination of information received pertaining to the incident. The intelligence should be assessed and updated in a timely manner to assist in the planning and decision making (QPS 2016,