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Deputy Commissioner’s Column
30 KENTUCKY LAW ENFORCEMENT| Winter 2005
Kentucky Creating Program
to Respond to Major disasters
/herb bowling, deputy Commissioner department of Criminal Justice Training
the disastrous events of Hurricane Katrina made it abundantly
clear that local, state and federal governments must be better
prepared for catastrophes of such unprecedented magnitude.
It vividly displayed the urgent need to be prepared for natural
disasters as well as deliberate acts of devastation by terrorists
and other criminals. In Kentucky, we have taken those lessons
to heart and are preparing a statewide ready List to help first
responders in any part of the state in the event of a disaster. Formally,
the project is known as the Kentucky Law enforcement
response Program.
In order for Kentucky to better prepare for a major disaster,
we must develop a cohesive plan, a clear communications process
and specific guidelines that remain flexible while providing
a standardized response.
unfortunately, on the Gulf Coast literally thousands of police
officers who volunteered their services along with numerous officers
who responded independently had no specific assignments
or coordination to incorporate them effectively into ongoing efforts
to protect citizens and save lives. While these heroic law
enforcement officers – including many from Kentucky – provided
invaluable services, the lack of centralized coordination
left many underutilized.
the Federal emergency Management agency (FeMa) and
Kentucky’s Division of emergency Management each planned to
serve as clearinghouses for the assignments of professionals summoned
from other states. this procedure quickly disintegrated
as the immensity of the catastrophe overwhelmed first responders.
the result was major confusion, primarily due to the lack of
coordination.
In Kentucky, the Department of Criminal Justice training has
assumed the lead role in ensuring a major catastrophe will be
met with a coordinated, effective response. For instance, several
/Photo by Joe Wallace
state law enforcement agencies, including the Kentucky state
Police, Kentucky Vehicle enforcement, Kentucky Department
of Fish and Wildlife resources and others have the capability of
responding on short notice to disasters. However, they are obviously
limited in resources and personnel and could not effectively
handle a situation approaching the magnitude of the disaster in
Louisiana and Mississippi.
In order for Kentucky to be prepared, we will develop a coordinated
method to incorporate our local police departments and
sheriffs’ offices to provide immediate response where needed. as
a first step, DOCJt will compile a database of available resources
from local police departments and sheriffs’ offices. Kentucky’s
ready List will include the number of personnel, cruisers and
equipment available (command post, crime scene vehicle, specialty
vehicles, etc.). the list will be updated twice annually in
January and July.
ready List data will be maintained by DOCJt and provided
to the Kentucky Office of Homeland security and the Kentucky
Division of emergency Management for use only in the event of
a major emergency. to acquire these services, the local county
judge, mayor, police chief or sheriff will request assistance from
KOHs or emergency Management, specifying the number of
officers and specialized equipment needed. the request should
also state additional resources needed and when, where and who
the officers should report to upon responding to the area. this
process will ensure a smooth transition to the disaster area and
eliminate confusion.
Kentucky’s ready List database could also be used for responding
to requests for assistance from a regional or national
level. the process is straightforward: the emergency management
agency from the requesting state will make a formal request
to the emergency management agency in Kentucky for a
specific number of personnel and equipment to be deployed to
that area.
the Department of Criminal Justice training will provide assistance
in developing and implementing this program and coordinating
the efforts between the affected area and the responding
agencies.
If you have questions or would like to volunteer your agency
to become part of this program please contact the Department
of Criminal Justice training at (859) 622-8547.