LAW ENFORCEMENT

I.	PURPOSE
	This annex provides for security, maintenance of law and order and traffic control.
II.	SITUATION AND ASSUMPTIONS
	A.	Situation
		1.	Law enforcement in Washington County is provided by the Washington County Sheriff's Department and the Plymouth Police Department.
		2.	State law enforcement agencies that regularly operate within Washington County are the N. C. Highway Patrol, N. C. Wildlife Commission, the State Bureau of Investigation and the Division of Motor Vehicles and Alcohol Law Enforcement.
		3.	Federal law enforcement agencies that routinely operate within the County's borders include the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the FBI, and the United States Coast Guard.
		4.	A spirit of cooperation exists among the local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies that operate within the County.
		5.	When N. C. Highway Patrol personnel are requested to support Washington County traffic control, a ranking officer from the Patrol may be present in the County EOC to coordinate N. C. Highway Patrol operations.
		6.	Pre-determined traffic control points have been identified by the Highway Patrol, County Sheriff's Department, and the Police Department to facilitate management of traffic flow during evacuations.
	B.	Assumptions
		1.	Activities of local law enforcement agencies will increase significantly during emergency operations. If local capabilities are overwhelmed, support may be obtained from state law enforcement agencies through Emergency Management.
		2.	An evacuation from the Outer Banks could significantly impact Washington County law enforcement / traffic control operations.
		3.	During evacuations, accidents or mechanical failure could significantly impede the evacuating traffic flow.
		4.	The number of law enforcement personnel normally available in the County may not be adequate to provide for security during an emergency event.
		5.	During or following an emergency event, it may be necessary to supplement local law enforcement personnel with officers from other jurisdictions to provide security and traffic control.
III.	CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
	A.	The Washington County Sheriff's Department will be the coordinating agency for law enforcement operations in the County during multi-jurisdictional emergency events.
	B.	Emergency law enforcement operations will interrupt routine functions and responsibilities. Expanded emergency responsibilities will include maintenance of law and order, traffic control, crowd control and security of damaged areas and shelters.
	C.	Law enforcement activities will remain under the control of the senior law enforcement officer of the jurisdiction in which the emergency is taking place.
	D.	Law enforcement officers in Washington County will assist with the dissemination of emergency information to isolated populations and to motorists.
	E.	Law enforcement agencies will have primary responsibility for traffic control and security in and near an evacuated area and in other areas of emergency operations. They may be called upon to assist with warning the public.
	F.	When evacuation is required, traffic control points must be in place prior to the order to evacuate.
	G.	Law enforcement officers in the field will help with initial assessment of the situation and report to the Emergency Operating Center.
	H.	Law enforcement officers will enforce the provisions outlined in the Proclamation of a State of Emergency.
	I.	The Chief law enforcement officer of the jurisdiction will coordinate handling of inquiries and informing families on the status of individuals deceased or missing due to a disaster event.