Is your agency involved in criminal investigations, terrorism responses or special event planning? Who should have access to sensitive information?
Operations
Here are a few examples of why you and your agency need to look at implementing an OPSEC process in your department:
- Is your agency involved in public safety training and field exercises? (Remember that exercises reveal our weaknesses)
- Is your agency involved in Emergency Management or Infrastructure planning and protection?
- Is your agency involved in WMD and Hazmat planning and training?
- Is your agency involved in planning for and managing VIP visits such as the President and foreign dignitaries?
- Is your agency involved in planning for and managing special events such as political conventions or national sporting events?
- Is your agency involved in criminal investigations?
- Is your agency a member of the Clandestine Drug Lab Task Force?
- Is your agency a member of the local Terrorism Task Force?
- Is your agency a member of the local Arson Task Force?
What is OPSEC?
For public safety agencies that are involved in planning and training for special events, critical incidents and terrorist incidents it is critical that Operations Security (OPSEC) be utilized in their planning and training efforts. OPSEC is the five-step risk-management process used by military and security professionals to protect sensitive information that adversaries could use. OPSEC does not replace other security measures it supplements them. Fire/EMS responders will encounter many challenges during their careers, some of which may include civil disorders, terrorist events, mass shootings, or other critical incidents. OPSEC is another tool that can be used by our Public Safety agencies to protect their responders.
Think Like The Wolf
Terrorists and organized criminals can take weeks and even months to select their targets and plan their operations. To be successful, they need specific information about personnel, response plans, capabilities, and infrastructures. Public safety managers need to look at your organization through the eyes of your adversary or
