Alpha Protocol
13-A: Officer Down – Alpha Protocol
Purpose
Alpha Protocol is the department’s highest-level emergency response, triggered when an officer is critically injured or killed during an active situation. This protocol authorizes an unrestricted, wave-based tactical response to neutralize the threat and recover the downed officer(s).
Activation Criteria
Alpha Protocol is initiated when:
An officer has been confirmed down due to hostile/criminal action.
Units on scene are unable to safely de-escalate or control the threat.
Scene Command declares: “Alpha Protocol is now active. All available units stage for wave response.”
Unit Cap Policy
No unit cap applies while Alpha Protocol Wave 2 is active.
If the suspects flee and initiate a pursuit, unit caps are immediately reinstated.
The situation transitions to a standard 10-80 (pursuit).
A maximum of 12 officers (the original response group) may engage in the pursuit, including any Air or MOTO units.
Scene Command will determine which units continue pursuit and which fall back.
Wave Response System
To maintain structure and immersion, responding officers are deployed in waves:
Wave Size: Two waves are deployed to allow for an escalating tactical response:
Wave 1: Up to 12 officers (Including Officers on scene of the Alpha)
Initial tactical team. Focused on containment, rescue, and direct threat assessment.
Air One may be deployed for rooftop situations. More than one Air One can be authorized if deemed needed by High Command.
Wave 2: Uncapped Response
Full tactical reinforcement. Deployed if Wave 1 is overwhelmed or unable to resolve the situation.
May include specialized units (SWAT, Air 1, MOTO) as directed by Scene Command.
All deployments must be coordinated and authorized by Scene Command. Units may not self-deploy outside their assigned wave.
Units should continue their duties unless they are a part of the initial wave.
Wave Assignment: Scene Command will assign and dispatch waves. No officer may self-deploy or self-attach without authorization.
Special Units: SWAT, Air 1, and MOTO units may be included as needed but must be assigned within waves or coordinated through Scene Command and High Command.
Officer Down Policy
If an officer is downed during Alpha Protocol, they are removed from the situation if it safely can be done so.
No officer may return to the scene after being incapacitated.
Rejoining is not permitted under any circumstance until the incident is fully resolved.
Command Responsibilities
The first ranking or responding officer assumes Scene Command unless passed to another supervisor.
Scene Command must:
Confirm Alpha Protocol activation.
Assign and manage waves.
Designate roles for hostage management, evidence collection, and pursuit coordination.
Maintain radio discipline and a single coordinated channel for all units.
Work with EMS once scene is done.
Prohibited Actions
Solo pushing into active gunfire.
Exceeding wave limits without high command authorization.
Returning to the scene after being downed.
Breaking formation or responding without being assigned.
Post-Incident Requirements
Secure downed officers and suspects.
Collect all evidence, including:
Photographs of the scene.
Shell casings, weapons, IDs, and any other forensic material.
Ensure a detailed incident report is filed, including:
Time and location of the 13-A.
Officers involved.
Evidence collected.
Incident number.
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