What should a police supervisor do in a critical incident?

In a critical incident, it is essential for a police supervisor to ensure proper procedural response and maintain a clear command structure. This involves establishing order and directing personnel to effectively manage the situation. A clear command structure is crucial because it helps in coordinating actions, disseminating information, and making critical decisions under pressure.

By ensuring that established procedures are followed, the supervisor promotes the safety of both officers on the scene and the public, maintains accountability, and supports a systematic approach to resolving the incident. This leadership is vital in ensuring that everyone involved understands their roles and responsibilities during the critical moments of the incident, which ultimately leads to a more effective and efficient response.

Moreover, having a supervisor actively managing the scene prevents confusion that could arise from officers handling the situation independently or from the supervisor leaving the scene altogether, which could lead to chaos and ineffective action. Prioritizing a structured response rather than merely focusing on post-incident reporting or avoiding conflict demonstrates responsible leadership that can help mitigate risk and improve outcomes in high-stress situations.