Develop a clear understanding of measures needed to ensure coordination between public health and law enforcement agencies, and between federal and state/local agencies, during the pre-event phase of an influenza pandemic.

To ensure coordination between public health and law enforcement agencies during the pre-event phase of an influenza pandemic, it is important to establish clear communication channels, develop shared training and planning exercises, and establish a common incident command structure. Federal, state, and local agencies must work collaboratively to establish guidelines and protocols for responding to an influenza pandemic. Coordination should involve the identification of essential personnel, resources, and equipment necessary to implement an effective response plan.

During declared emergencies, public health and law enforcement agencies must collaborate closely to establish unified command and control centers that enable effective coordination of response efforts. Agencies should work together to establish clear lines of communication and decision-making processes, which will facilitate effective decision-making and rapid deployment of resources.

Legal authorities of public health, law enforcement, and other agencies are available for implementing pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions in both declared and undeclared public health emergencies. These interventions include isolation, quarantine, restriction of movement, closure and cancellation of public places or events. Agencies should work together to develop and implement response plans that ensure compliance with legal authorities and that protect individual rights and privacy.

Implementation of selected interventions such as isolation, quarantine, restriction of movement, closure, and cancellation of public places or events will be coordinated between public health and law enforcement agencies through the establishment of common protocols and guidelines. These protocols and guidelines should clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each agency, establish lines of communication and decision-making processes, and identify essential personnel, resources, and equipment necessary to implement an effective response plan.

Plans for ensuring continuity of operations between public health and law enforcement agencies during the event phase of an influenza pandemic should be established in advance of the outbreak. These plans should include the identification of essential personnel, resources, and equipment necessary to maintain essential services, establish clear lines of communication and decision-making processes, and establish contingency plans for addressing any disruptions to service delivery.

Essential criteria and approaches for assessing agencies’ preparedness for an influenza pandemic include the development of a comprehensive risk assessment, establishment of clear objectives and performance measures, identification of essential personnel, resources, and equipment, and regular training and evaluation of response plans.

Basic personal protective measures and knowledge that will allow law enforcement personnel to function effectively in a pandemic setting include regular hand hygiene, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and maintaining appropriate social distancing measures. Law enforcement personnel must also receive training in recognizing symptoms of influenza and in implementing response plans to limit the spread of the disease.