10 Codes and ICS

[Guest guest]

Before anyone trys to execute me on expressing my

opinion, I am only expressing my opinion, and have

seen where 10 codes have been proven both good and

bad, but overall, it has been proven confusing

(bad)for the following reason.

It has been my own personal experience that 10 codes

can cause major conflicts especially when mutual aid

is requested from outside communities. (example: in

my community 10-50 means stopped by a train, where

most departments use 10-50 meaning an accident PI/PD).

Through the use of the Incident Command/Incident

Management System, common language eliminates the

confusion. Additionally, most departments don't even

realize that this system is endorsed by the

International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Even if a law enforcement department wants

accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation

for Law Enforcement Agencies, CALEA, they must

identify a Incident Command/Incident Management

System.

By utilizing the ICS/IMS you are also reducing legal

issues that may arise. Additionally, the ICS/IMS is

required by law in handling hazardous materials

incidents.

It would seem to me that if departments would

gradually make the change to ICS/IMS that the chance

of a communications break down when the " big event "

occurs could be reduced or eliminated.

Again, these are my opinions, and would like to see if

any other departments are facing the same challenge.

By the way, my police department still uses codes,

while the fire department has started changing over to

the ICS/IMS.

Kinley

Indiana

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