MPS Law Enforcement Exercises - Hazardous Materials Incident

Hazardous Materials Incident

WHAT IS THE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENT?
Police organizations, when confronted with a hazardous materials spill, must take quick and decisive action to gain control of the situation and protect the public. Such situations typically involve coordination with other agencies. The ability to quickly size-up the situation from the perspective of the police organization's role is crucial, as is the ability to prioritize the actions that are needed and implement them in an orderly manner. The Hazardous Materials Incident is designed to identify those who can think logically and calmly when placed under time pressure in a critical situation.

POSITIONS USED FOR?
The Hazardous Materials Incident is used for any police supervisory position that might require the incumbent to take command of a hazardous materials situation that involves coordination with other agencies.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENT USED FOR:
>>>>• Police Sergeant
>>>>• Police Lieutenant
>>>>• Police Captain

TEST FORMAT
The Hazardous Materials Incident is an oral simulation exercise. Assessees are given seven minutes to study background information related to a hazardous materials incident, including a map of the area showing where the incident occurs. They must then meet with a panel of role players and are given five minutes to state any and all actions they would take in dealing with the incident. Afterwards, one of the role players tells the assessee that new information regarding the incident has just been received, and this information is read aloud. The assessee is given two minutes to state what actions would be taken to deal with the new developments. Role players question and challenge candidates regarding the actions they plan to take, as well as actions they may not have deemed necessary.

SCORING AND REPORTING OF RESULTS
MPS does all of the scoring for you. Results are reported in the form of a rank-ordered list of the candidates. In addition, MPS uses a behavioral checklist approach to provide performance feedback for candidates on each of the factors measured. Behavioral checklists include both positive and negative behavioral descriptors, and are designed to assist assessees in identifying strengths, weaknesses, and developmental needs.

VIDEOTAPING THE EXERCISE
All necessary instructions and diagrams to properly set up and videotape the exercise are supplied. All that is required is a standard video camera and 1/2" VHS videotaping system. No camera work is required.