M.A.B.A.S. Division 20 Operational Guidelines, Procedures and Policies - 21

SUBJECT: OPERATIONS SECTOR

Page 1 of 2

DATE IMPLEMENTED: DECEMBER 1, 1996 REVISED:

PURPOSE: To provide the Incident Commander with a more effective span of control during complex emergency scene management.

INTRODUCTION

As an incident escalates, the Incident Commander's span of control may expand as

additional sectors are established. Additionally, the incident may cross multi-

jurisdictional or functional boundaries. Although extremely necessary, many of the

responsibilities of these organizations will not be essential to the Operations Sector.

BACKGROUND

According to the National Incident Management System, which has been adopted by MABAS, the Incident Commander may establish a "multi-branch" structure for scene management. The designation of the Operations Sector (OS) will enable Command to control the overall scene by dividing areas of responsibility according to function.

SEPARATION OF THE COMMAND STRUCTURE

Operations may oversee the Fire, EMS and HAZMAT Sectors, while Command would interact with outside agencies. Coordination of Command and Operations would be channeled through the Plans officer at the Command Post. For effective overall scene management, the Incident commander will identify the division between himself and Operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Operations Sector Officer will:

· manage incident tactical activities

· coordinate activities with the Incident Commander

· implement the Incident Action Plan

· assign resources to tactical level areas based on tactical objectives and priorities

· build an effective organizational structure through the use of sectors

· provide tactical objectives for sectors

· accommodate for scene and life safety

· determine needs and request additional resources

· consult with and inform other sectors and Command as needed

M.A.B.A.S. Division 20 Operational Guidelines, Procedures and Policies - 22

SUBJECT: OPERATIONS SECTOR

Page 2 of 2

The Operations Sector is responsible for the direct management of all incident tactical activities, tactical priorities and the safety and welfare of all personnel working in the Operations Sector.

As part of either a Single or Unified command Structure, the Incident commander may assign the Operations, Planning Logistics and/or Finance/Administration sectors.