PRE-OPERATIONAL BRIEFING

"Briefing is not reading. In fact it is the antithesis of reading. Briefing is terse, factual and to the point. Reading is untidy, discursive and perpetually inviting. Briefing closes down a subject, reading opens it up".

-Alan Bennett

Before taking part in the operation, all police personnel should receive a full briefing on its objectives. Depending on the situation, different amounts of time will be made available for briefings.

This needs to be customized to the team's requirements. A team returning after a break, for instance, should be given the tools to self-brief on past concerns, but a formal briefing on the day's pertinent responsibilities is necessary.

The complexity of backup plans should be reflected in the operation sequence. Wherever possible, it should be accessible for use in conjunction with the briefing rather than as a replacement for it.

Make sure the team has absorbed the pertinent information from the briefing (this can be checked by conducting random knowledge checks to confirm understanding). Make certain that each employee is aware of their role in the allotted work. Verify that there are enough resources available to complete the necessary tasks.

Furthermore, briefing is important because it helps to ensure that everyone involved in a project or task has a clear understanding of the goals, objectives, and expectations. It also provides an opportunity to discuss any potential issues or challenges, establish roles and responsibilities, and create a plan of action. Effective briefing can help improve communication, coordination, and productivity and ultimately lead to better outcomes.

Reference:

Briefing and debriefing. (n.d.). College of Policing. https://www.college.police.uk/app/operations/briefing-and-debriefing