Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) Organizational Function PDF

**ORGANIZATIONAL FUNCTION - RAPID DEPLOYMENT FORCE** **PREAMBLE:** The Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) is a regional, multi-jurisdictional team of officers who are specially trained in a variety of disciplines. The RDF is mobilized to respond to civil disturbances, as well as large events that may ha...

**ORGANIZATIONAL FUNCTION - RAPID DEPLOYMENT FORCE** **PREAMBLE:** The Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) is a regional, multi-jurisdictional team of officers who are specially trained in a variety of disciplines. The RDF is mobilized to respond to civil disturbances, as well as large events that may have the propensity for violent crowd behavior. The RDF is also able to respond to search and rescue efforts, natural or manmade disasters, terrorist events, or any other occurrence that requires a large group of trained individuals to manage. **POLICY:** It is the policy of the Omaha Police Department (OPD) to participate in the Rapid Deployment Force (RDF). The primary function of the RDF is to serve as a mobile field force to respond to both planned and spontaneous civil disturbances. The RDF shall only be implemented after the establishment of Incident Command. **PROCEDURE:** I. Participating Agencies ========================= A. The following agencies participate in the RDF: 1. Omaha Police Department 2. Nebraska State Patrol 3. Douglas County Sheriff's Office 4. Sarpy County Sheriff's Office 5. Washington County Sheriff's Office 6. Bellevue Police Department 7. Papillion Police Department 8. La Vista Police Department 9. Ralston Police Department II. RDF Authorization ===================== A. The RDF will only be activated at the order of the Chief of Police/County Sheriff/Colonel or designee. B. The RDF Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) allows each agency to operate within any jurisdiction of the participating members. C. Requests for utilization of personnel must be made between agency heads. Participation in the RDF does not guarantee personnel will be provided when requested. 1\. Activation a. When any member of the OPD becomes aware of an event/occurrence that may require the activation of the RDF, a request will be made to the Chief of Police (or designee) via the chain of command requesting activation as soon as possible. b. Requests should be made via email or phone call. c. If an emergency call-out is authorized, RDF Command will utilize a "calling tree" notification system to inform RDF members of the situation and identify an assembly area. d. When a participating agency makes a request for OPD to assist with an event outside the City of Omaha, only the Chief of Police (or designee) has authority to grant this permission. III. RDF Commander ================== A. The RDF Commander for any event will be provided by the host agency. The RDF Commander for any event will be responsible for the planning, training, documentation, and logistics pertaining to the event. B. If the RDF Commander requests assistance in any aspect of the operation from another agency, the request will be made in writing and forwarded through the agency head of that department. C. Each agency will operate within their own respective policies and procedures during the event. IV. OPD RDF Organization ======================== A. Chain of Command 1. The OPD Uniform Patrol Bureau (UPB) Deputy Chief will have authority over OPD RDF operations. 2. The RDF Commander for the OPD will be a command officer, rank of Lieutenant or higher, and will be selected by the UPB Deputy Chief. a. The RDF Commander will oversee and be responsible for all operations, training, equipment, and financial considerations pertaining to the Omaha contingency of the RDF. b. By February 1st of each year, the RDF Commander will submit a budget request to the UPB Deputy Chief for consideration. 1. There will be a minimum of two platoons of officers. 2. Each Platoon will consist of the following: a. Platoon leader (rank of Lieutenant or higher). b. Executive officer (rank of Sergeant or higher). c. A minimum of four (4) squads. Each squad will include: i. Squad leader (preferably a Sergeant, but may be an ii. Four to eight officers (including a grenadier). iii. The Mobile Field Force model, which the RDF mirrors, allows that an entire platoon need not be activated. V. Training =========== 1. Annual Training -- RDF-wide a. The entire Rapid Deployment Force (all participating agencies) will train together a minimum of once a year. 2. Quarterly/Semi--Annual training should be attempted. 3. OPD-specific training b. It is mandatory that all OPD RDF officers attend a minimum of one training session per year. c. In the event that only one RDF-wide training session is conducted, the OPD will conduct an additional training session for OPD officers only. 4. Pre--Event Training d. When a planned event requires the activation of OPD RDF personnel, every attempt will be made to provide event-specific training. e. This training can only be authorized by the Chief of Police or designee. VI. RDF Personnel Selection Process =================================== A. Annually, the RDF Commander will announce via an Information Order that applications will be accepted to fill any vacancies due to promotion, retirement, transfer, or other circumstances. 1. Selection for RDF specialty positions will include an assessment of mental suitability (e.g. Internal Affairs history, oral interviews, etc.). B. Interested applicants will be required to submit an Inter-Office Communication request, via chain of command, to the RDF Commander. C. This application should, at the minimum, include the following: 2. Applicant's Name, Rank, Serial Number, and Current Assignment. 3. Applicant's experience level with protest and/or civil unrest situations. 4. Any other justification for the application. VII. RDF Equipment ================== A. Each RDF member will be issued an RDF uniform and all necessary companion equipment, as determined by the RDF Commander. B. RDF officers will utilize their duty belt, firearm, and their department-issued gas mask and mask filters. 1. Additional mask filters will be issued as needed. C. Officers assigned to RDF will retain their equipment in an operational, ready status in case the equipment is needed for a call-out. 2. Any damage or repairs needed on equipment will be immediately reported to the RDF Commander who will coordinate repairs. D. When an officer ends participation in the RDF, all equipment except the BDU uniform and hydration pack must be immediately returned to the RDF Commander for reissuance. E. RDF equipment, including spare equipment, hand-held shields, Pepperball guns and projectiles, chemical munitions, and launchers will be stored in the Field Force room at the Public Safety Training Center. All Lieutenants assigned to RDF will have access to this room. **REFERENCES:** **I. Previous OPD Orders** A. Previous OPD General Orders include: \#34-10, 36-18, and 10-21. II. Accreditation Standards ===========================