The Authority's investigation identified significant issues with the control and command of this incident. Specifically with the transition of control and command between different response levels during a critical event.
In order to ensure a wider understanding and greater consistency of practice of the CIMS control and command model at all levels within Police, the Authority recommends that New Zealand Police:
Identify and introduce additional relevant training for Police staff at all levels focusing on the following:
a) the control and command structure during an incident managed within a district where different response groups are deployed, including the role of District Command Centres during such events;
b) the control and command structure of incidents where the National Command and Co-ordination Centre provide logistical and/or operational support;
c) the control and command structure of incidents when the National Command Centre takes control and command responsibilities;
d) ensuring that officers undertaking a tactical commander role, irrespective of their rank or the level of command, consult and obtain the approval of the controller of the Police operation about proposed tactics, and ensure that the consultation, and the approval given, is recorded in the Incident Controller's log; and
e) ensuring that all officers have a comprehensive understanding of the different roles undertaken during a critical event, and use appropriate terminology accurately and consistently.
Urgently review and finalise the Command Centre Operating Guidelines document, to ensure it aligns with the Control and Command policy and includes the following elements:
a) clarification of the control and command capability of the National Command and Coordination Centre and District Command Centres;
b) specification of the role of the National Command and Coordination Centre in critical events; and
c) specific guidance about how District Command Centres will ensure clear line control and communications between individuals, command groups and external agencies holding key control and command roles so as to ensure clarity of role and function of all participants.
Review radio and communications protocols to ensure that the transition of control and ommand between different response levels is clearly, widely and consistently recorded and known by all staff involved in a critical event.
Ensure there is a desk file in each District Command Centre that aligns with the Command Centre Operating Guidelines and Control and Command policy and provides information on the various roles of a District Command Centre during a critical event.
Develop an induction package for staff moving to work in a District Command Centre and ongoing training, including the CIMS model, to ensure consistency in the way District Command Centres operate, particularly during critical events.
Read the related IPCA Public report Serious failings in Police response to the actions of Rhys Warren (PDF 952 KB)