| by Jerry Adams
Over 40
agencies have now signed the Watch Center Participation Agreements and are calling their
critical events into the Watch Center staff. Even with increased participation, we find
that there are many questions about the Critical Event Deconfliction process, what it is,
how do we use it and what are the benefits?
Q: What are Critical Events and
What is Deconfliction?
A: Critical Event
Deconfliction has been used in California for many years. It is a process that drug law
enforcement officers rely upon to ensure their safety. In fact, officer safety is the main
reason that Deconfliction exists. A Critical Event is any drug enforcement tactical
activity such as a drug buy, sale/sting, search warrant service, surveillance, money
pickup, etc. By logging each activity into a central location (the Deconfliction Unit in
the Watch Center), officers can be assured that they are not targeting another drug
enforcement investigator or that their investigation will not be compromised. A
"blue-on-blue" situation is avoided.
Q: How do I use the
Deconfliction system?
A: Every drug enforcement
officer/agent needs to be advised of the need to preplan their tactical enforcement
activities. The first entry of their investigative plan or raid plan should include
calling the Watch Center at 1-888-388 DRUG. Watch Center staff members will take the
caller’s identify, call back numbers and critical event details which are then
entered into a deconfliction computer system. We use the WSIN system’s deconfliction
component This simple process only takes a few minutes and is confidential and secure.
Each agency administrator needs to sign the deconfliction Participation Agreement and send
it to the HIDTA Director agreeing to abide with the deconfliction guidelines.
Q:What Happens if There is a
Conflict and Someone Else is Targeting Me?
A: A Conflict occurs when
two agencies are found to be operating against each other, working on the same target or
in close proximity to each. The deconfliction computer advises the operator that a
potential problem exists and that the contributor from each agency must be called. The
Critical Event contributors are told that a possible conflict exists and, by agency
agreement, the investigator must call the other officer/agent and resolve the conflict.
The Watch Center staff only makes the notifications and the conflict resolution is
entirely in the hands of the two investigators. This system has already proven its worth
to regional drug investigators.
Want more information? Call the Watch Center at
1-888-388-DRUG (3784).
NW HIDTA Funds Support Clandestine Lab Enforcement Teams
Prevention / Treatment Initiatives - Focus on Thurston
Snohomish County Regional Narcotics Task Force
Common Questions About the Critical Event
Deconfliction Process
 Comings and Goings
NW HIDTA Training
Upcoming Events
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