Big Data

Some police departments have been using big data to help fight crime and improve staffing. Big data is a general term for massive amounts of data and information that is continually updated and added to, and utilizing it to make important decisions can require substantial resources and expertise.

Brown-out

Systematic reduction in staffing during specific periods of the day/week/year. This can be reducing staff for a specific shift(s) or for specific stations.
Command and control methods: The traditional strong style of policing, where police attempt to use firm and stern body language in addition to moving quickly to get a potentially-dangerous situation under control as soon as possible.

De-escalation methods

Using lower voices, slower movements, and an overall more calm approach to interacting with the public or a suspect in an attempt to lower the risk of a situation becoming even more dangerous
Emergency operations center (EOC) is a central command and control facility responsible for carrying out the principles of emergency preparedness and emergency management, or disaster management functions at a strategic level during an emergency, and ensuring the continuity of operation of a company, political subdivision or other organization.

Mutual aid

The process of obtaining material or personnel support from other agencies. In some fire departments, mutual aid is a common occurrence, with nearby companies responding to emergency calls, covering stations, or other situations. In other fire departments, outside assistance is rarely available or requested. In some communities, the mutual-aid agreement is informal–the departments just help each other and it is understood that such assistance is available. Other departments have written agreements.

Needs assessment

A method of surveying that is focused on asking what a department or district should be doing, rather than asking about how they’re doing with services already provided.

Non-lethal force

Using Tasers, rubber bullets, pepper spray, or other instruments to control a dangerous situation when necessary without requiring the use of traditional and potentially-deadly firearms

Park

An area of land set aside for public use which are maintained for the enjoyment and recreation of all.

Physical activity

Any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure – including activities undertaken while working, playing, carrying out household chores, travelling, and engaging in recreational pursuits.

“Plug-Ugly”

In the early 1800s when fire departments relied on wooden municipal water pipes, firefighters drilled holes to access the water supply, and then plugged the holes once the fire event was resolved. Fire brigades at this time were still privately operated and subject to fierce competition from other fire teams, each of which sought the glory, and cash, from putting out fires. It was not uncommon for rival firefighters to tamper with each other’s water supply, and so fire teams regularly assigned their meanest, ugliest members to guard their plugs from would-be saboteurs. The ugly meanies came to be described as “plug-ugly.”

Point of service evaluations

Evaluations (often surveys) provided directly to a person immediately after their use of a service.

Recreation

The act of participating in experiences that result in achieving and maintaining the balance required for people to live life fully and to realize their potential.

Social cohesion

Ongoing process of developing a community of shared values, shared challenges and equal opportunity, based on a sense of trust, hope and reciprocity.

The National Incident Management System (NIMS)

A standardized approach to incident management developed by the United States Department of Homeland Security. The program was established in March 2004, in response to Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5, issued by President George W. Bush. It is intended to facilitate coordination between all responders (including all levels of government with public, private, and nongovernmental organizations).

Trumpet insignia

To identify ranks within the fire department, look for trumpets. Harkening back to the days when crew leaders would shout commands through voice trumpets, fire departments still use the symbol to denote ranks. There are no formal standards for rank titles or insignia, but, generally speaking, the more trumpets on someone’s chest, the higher their rank.

Well-being

The presence of the highest possible quality of life in its full breadth of expression, focused on but not necessarily exclusive to: good living standards, robust health, a sustainable environment, vital communities, an educated populace, balanced time use, high levels of democratic participation, and access to and participation in recreation and culture.