Ground Team Safety & Security Patrol SQRT?

[RADIOMAN015]

Seems like my wing is getting more involved in ground ops involving parking cars at large events, as well as ground ops safety/security/courtesly patrols.

In looking at everything that's been published in the ES qualification side, I really can't find anything in there to indicating how we are "qualified" to perform these functions.  Usually in CAP ES we need to have somone training & than evaulating us to meet a specific functional standard.   

I'm not saying we shouldn't provide support BUT I'm wonder if we need to have some sort of trainining program for our personnel BEFORE they provide this type of assistance.  I don't think it would take a significant amount of time for this training (perhaps 2 hours or so).   I would also think for each activity being supported members could be given specific instructions (perhaps even written) to assist them in providing the support.

Anyone ever worked up a training program on vehicle parking, safety patrol, & security/courtesy patrol?

RM   

[♠SARKID♠]

I wouldn't go as far as to make a SQTR out of it.  Perhaps a local level class that can be taught at the weekly meeting would be better.  Like you said, it would only take a couple of hours.  Perhaps a poorly made powerpoint by national would be in order?

I do have to admit, I smiled at the notion of having "Tactical Car Parker" on my 101 card 

[Short Field]

And how exactly does this fit into Emergency Services?  Next we will have a SQTR to qualify people to escort people at an airshow.

[MSgt Van]

Can't wait to see the badge...

[Major Lord]

I teach a "how to direct traffic" class to Cadets before they go out to support our local PD on the 4th of July. I form an imaginary 4 way intersection and have cadets "drive" through a four way stop ( running on a grass field) controlled by Cadets. The object is to avoid being killed...... and to learn how to direct traffic safely and effectively.

Major Lord

[EMT-83]

Per CAPR 900-5, we don't provide security. However, parking cars is a pretty common function at various types of event.

Our squadron does parking at a large county fair every year, which is a major source of income. We spend a couple of hours prior to the event making sure everyone knows what to do, then a hold couple of safety briefings during the weekend for reinforcement.

It might seem simple, but there is a lot to remember. Such as:
•   Don't get between cars, where you could be trapped
•   Don't step in front of cars, or turn your back to them
•   Traffic cones only provide guidance, not a barrier against moving vehicles
•   Don't fight with the drunks

There's some great material available on-line. If you're going to be involved with this type of activity, take the time to train your people. Also consider environmental conditions, food and water, adequate breaks, etc.

This really needs to be taken seriously. The number of emergency service personnel and highway maintenance workers struck by vehicles each year is appalling.

[wuzafuzz]

During my youth I spent hundreds of hours parking cars as a police explorer.  A few observations based on that experience.

• Get out of the way of cars.  They ALWAYS win.
• You don't have a force field.  Get out of their way.
• The driver probably doesn't see you.  Even if you are wearing neon pink and green with flashing strobe lights on your safety helmet.  Do all you can to be visible, and be prepared to MOVE.
• Just because they are driving slow doesn't mean they aren't dangerous!
• Even if they see you, they are not impressed by your uniform.
• Many people become idiots when faced with following even the most rudimentary traffic direction.  Some of them are very determined idiots.
• That car that's rolling because the driver forgot the parking brake...you won't stop it.  Cadets are not wheel chocks.
• Don't throw your radio or flashlight at cars with stupid drivers, no matter how much they desperately deserve it!
• Your road flare pattern need not look like a lit runway.
• Road flares and breathing don't mix.  Really.
• Hydrate hydrate hydrate!  Dirt parking lots make you extra thirsty.  Asphalt parking lots are "extra extra" hot.
• Have fun!

Having said all that, parking cars is not an ES function so a SQTR isn't needed.  That does not mean there should be no training.  Use ORM and be safe.