During a major incident, which position should be appointed to assist with the Watch Commander duties?

In a major incident, appointing another Lieutenant as Acting Watch Commander is critical for several reasons. Firstly, the role of the Watch Commander involves significant responsibilities, including overseeing the incident response, making critical decisions, coordinating with other departments, and ensuring the safety and security of both staff and inmates. A Lieutenant has the necessary training, experience, and authority to handle these responsibilities effectively.

The presence of another Lieutenant ensures that the Watch Commander can delegate tasks appropriately while maintaining oversight of the incident. This structure provides a clear chain of command, which is essential in chaotic situations where decisions must be made quickly and efficiently. Additionally, having someone with a similar rank ensures that the Acting Watch Commander can operate with the same level of authority and respect among the staff involved in the incident.

While other roles such as the most senior officer on duty or a sergeant may have some level of experience, they may not possess the specific training and command skills required to fulfill the Watch Commander’s duties effectively. Appointing a Lieutenant helps maintain operational integrity and keeps a standard of leadership during high-pressure incidents.