Commonwealth of Virginia

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Commonwealth of Virginias Communications
Interoperability
Virginia Statewide Common Language Protocols
Jim Junkins Director Harrisonburg-Rockingham
ECC SIEC Executive Committee Member JLJunkins_at_H
RECC.org 540-434-2006
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Agenda

• Background
• History
• Introducing the Common Language Protocol
• 2007 Activities
• Questions and Answers

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Background-History

• National Incident Management System (NIMS)
  released requiring of use plain language during
  mutual aid events
• November 2005 Governor Warner signs Executive
  Order 102 to mandate localities and state
  agencies to follow NIMS, DHS requirements, and
  the National Response Plan.
• February 2006 NIMS Integration Center requires
  use of plain English for multi-agency,
  multi-jurisdiction and multi-discipline events.
• October 2006 Governor Kaine issues press
  release announcing Common Language Protocols and
  encourages use statewide.

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FY 2006 Activities

• SIEC chartered an Initiative Action Team (IAT) to
  address Initiative 3 of the FY 2006 Strategic
  Plan
• As defined by NIMS, identify and adopt common
  language protocols in the Commonwealth for day to
  day operations and major emergency situations.

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Why Day to Day Mutual Aid

• Commitment to eliminate the NIMS loophole.
• Responders react with how they are trained.
• Successful if we practice common language day to
  day.
• BUT, there are a few situations where coded
  language may be necessary for responder safety.

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Methodologies

• Two questionnaires sent to Virginias public
  safety agencies.
• Facilitated face-to-face meetings to determine
  recommendations.
• On-going discussion via conference calls to
  continue to define the terms and recommendations.
• Endorsements from Professional Organizations.
• Sought Governor Approval and Recommendation

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Coded Language Needs

• Responder in Immediate Danger
• Responder Needs Assistance/Backup
• Responder is Taking or Recommends Taking Subject
  Into Custody
• Responder/Dispatcher Needs to Convey Sensitive or
  Confidential Information

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The 4 Codes

• Removed for confidentiality

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The Phonetic Alphabet
Character Phonetic
A Alpha
B Bravo
C Charlie
D Delta
E Echo
F Foxtrot
G Golf
H Hotel
I India
J Juliet
K Kilo
L Lima
M Mike
Character Phonetic
N November
O Oscar
P Papa
Q Quebec
R Romeo
S Sierra
T Tango
U Uniform
V Victor
W Whiskey
X XRay
Y Yankee
Z Zulu
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FY 2007 Activities

• The SIEC will
• Publicize the Roll-Out of the Protocol
• Obtain Endorsements
• Coordinate Training on Common Language

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Virginia Common Language Protocols

• QUESTIONS?

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Thank you! Jim Junkins Director Harrisonburg-Rock
ingham ECC SIEC Executive Committee
Member JLJunkins_at_HRECC.org 540-434-2006