Civil Disturbances Policy Overview

Overview of Civil Disturbances/Riots Policy

• This document establishes the TFD's policy on emergency operations during riots and other civil disturbances
• The document includes procedures that are modifications of normal emergency operations
• This document applies to all TFD Personnel
• The document is an original document in the TFD modern format
• There are no forms associated with this document
• Safety risks increase during riots and civil disturbances
• Listed procedures are designed to minimize opportunities for violent crowds to injure firefighters, damage equipment, or vandalize fire stations
• TFD personnel should act with patience, tolerance, tact, and good judgment in all encounters
• During civil disturbances, TFD personnel may experience verbal abuse or provocative acts
• Self-control and restraint are important; marginal situations can escalate

Responsibilities during Civil Disturbances

• Deputy Chiefs must arrange for the security of fire stations and other TFD facilities during civil disturbances to prevent injury and damage
• A Battalion Chief must respond to evaluate previously unreported situations meeting the definition of a civil disturbance
• Activate civil disturbance procedures if a civil disturbance is confirmed
• Respond to all emergency incidents where TFD resources are being utilized
• Fire Communications Personnel must make dispatches and notifications per section 6.2
• Modify normal dispatch procedures per section 7.2 if confirming a civil disturbance
• Company Officers must report acts against personnel, apparatus, or stations to Fire Communications
• Institute precautions per section 7.0 if confirming a civil disturbance
• All TFD Personnel must follow procedures and precautions in Section 7.0 to reduce risks to personnel, equipment, and facilities upon confirmation
• Personnel must continue exhibiting professionalism to avoid provoking mob violence
• The TFD Safety Officer maintains this document

Definitions and Rules

• Civil Disturbance is defined as mob action like arson, violence, rioting, rebellion, insurrection, looting or other unlawful action by organized or unorganized groups
• TFD personnel, equipment, or apparatus is not used to quell riots or civil disturbances
• TFD personnel must not engage in activities that aggravate disturbances or endanger fire department personnel
• Firearms are prohibited in fire stations or on fire apparatus/vehicles; concealed weapons in personal vehicles on city property must be unloaded and stored in locked compartments, complying with laws
• This rule does not apply to weapons carried by Police Officers who may be on Department property in the line of duty
• Resources near known disturbances may be reassigned to protect personnel and apparatus

Confirmation/Activation Procedures

• First-arriving units encountering a previously unreported civil disturbance must notify Fire Communications as part of the normal scene size-up
• Designate a stand-by location for other responding units
• Consider withdrawing until law enforcement secures the area and a Battalion Chief is dispatched
• Maintain control of actions and behavior, backing off from hostile situations
• Fire Communications must notify Tacoma Police (or other law enforcement), and dispatch a Battalion Chief if one is not already in route
• If a disturbance is confirmed, notify the Fire Chief, Deputy Chiefs, and TFD personnel/facilities
• The battalion chief must determine if the situation reported meets the definition of a civil disturbance
• The battalion chief must activate procedures/precautions in section 7.0 if indicated
• Other responding units must stand by unless ordered otherwise upon hearing the first unit's report

Operating Procedures/Precautions

• Initial response within areas of known riot or civil disturbance consists of a Battalion Chief and one Engine Company, unless authorized by the Fire Chief
• Single company responses are not permitted and all fire units enter, travel, and return together with required police escorts
• Emergency lights may be used; sirens/air horns are not
• Apparatus placement should protect crews and allow rapid retreat
• The Incident Commander can withdraw personnel to delay operations until police secure the area
• When lives/property are savable, rescue and extinguishment are the prime objectives
• Emphasis on fast attack with heavy streams to allow quick exit
• Hydrants, hose lines, apparatus, tools, and equipment should be protected, employing law enforcement assistance if necessary
• Hand lines should be avoided
• Routine operations like ventilation, overhaul, and salvage can be discontinued
• Fire investigations can be discontinued if personnel safety is at risk
• Fully involved buildings, vehicles, or other property with little/no exposure problems may be left to burn
• Patients are more safely/effectively treated if removed to a safe area
• Apparatus/personnel must return to quarters or safe areas ASAP

Fire Communications during Civil Disturbances

• Include a battalion chief in the dispatch; do not dispatch only a single company
• Direct responding units to stand by and notify Tacoma Police (or law enforcement) that fire units will need an escort while traveling to/from the incident and while on scene
• If TFD personnel report mob actions against personnel/equipment/facilities, notify Tacoma Police (or law enforcement)

Personnel and Apparatus Precautions

• Respond to emergencies in full protective clothing and stay in gear until at a stand-by location or the station
• Keep helmet face shield down
• Exercise caution over the radio due to external speakers; use MDTs/cell phones for sensitive communications
• Personnel must be prepared to identify themselves further when sending transmissions
• All companies must remove exterior tools/equipment and place them in interior compartments
• Engine Companies must position hose bed covers, securing the rear flap, and stow the hydrant wrench to the front, out of sight.
• Rigs without hose bed covers can use a tarp over the hose bed and any top equipment basket
• Ladder Companies must secure axes, crowbars, and similar tools in compartments or the cab, and store belt axes where they are concealed, yet readily available
• Aid/Medic Units must lock all cab/patient compartment doors from the inside to prevent entry and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle
• During civil disturbances, keep all fire station doors/windows locked using protective devices
• Limit activities outside the facility to emergency response needs only; otherwise, stay indoors
• Use all available outside lighting and immediately report vandalism or mob action against personnel/stations to Fire Communications
• Prepare for possible reassignment to another station/facility or area