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I am honored to have this opportunity to give testimony before the Subcommittee on National Security, Veteran Affairs and International Relations.

As the Chief of Police I believe that more funding for training, resources and equipment is necessary at the local and regional level. This will enable unified first responders (EMS, POLICE, FIRE) the ability to maximize their effectiveness in the event of terrorist attack in our municipality or region involving chemical, biological, explosive or incendiary devices.

The speedy identification of a terrorist incident and the ability to mitigate the scene must be given priority. A Joint Consolidated Action Plan that incorporates planning and training simulations at the local, regional, state and federal level must be developed and practiced at least once per year. This will allow unified first responders the ability to enhance their respective skills, save lives and property as well.

A Unified Command Structure Concept must be developed at major critical incident events that require inter-action between inter-agency disciplines. Local, state and federal agencies must work under a unified command structure to successfully and quickly mitigate an incident or event thereby reducing loss of life, equipment and property.

An Integrated Communications Systems must be developed to support advanced planning for tactical law enforcement, rescue and relief operations. The ability to communicate with committed agencies (resources) is critical to the successful and safe conclusion to an event or incident. One solution could be to create mobile, incident specific, communication centers that multiple agencies can field during a critical incident or event.

To reiterate, I firmly believe that increased funding for training, resources and equipment is necessary at the municipal and regional level. Yearly training exercises with local, state and federal agencies are essential to develop greater inter-agency cooperation and collaboration.