Humanitarian assistance and police documentation teams

Summary

This topic outlines the police service's role in providing humanitarian assistance during emergencies, emphasizing the coordination with other agencies and agencies involved in the humanitarian response. Key components include establishing emergency reception centres for survivors, evacuees, and families of victims, while adhering to principles of investigation and documentation. Police may attend various centres to gather information while ensuring individuals' support, safety, and welfare needs are met throughout the incident's response and recovery phases.

Key principles

• 1The police play a vital role in humanitarian assistance during emergencies.
• 2Emergency reception centres are crucial for supporting affected individuals.
• 3Documenting personal information must comply with the Data Protection Act 2018.
• 4Coordination with local authorities and agencies is essential for effective response.
• 5A multi-agency approach ensures diverse needs are met over time.

Defined terms

Survivor reception centre (SuRC)

A secure place for survivors not requiring acute medical treatment, away from the incident's immediate consequences.

Rest centre

A building used as temporary accommodation for people evacuated or homeless due to an emergency.

Family and friends’ reception centre (FFRC)

A secure place for family and friends of people involved in an incident to access information and support.

Humanitarian assistance centre

Centres offering medium to long-term support for individuals affected by emergencies.

Police documentation team

Teams responsible for collecting personal information during emergencies, complying with legal guidelines.

Victims of terrorism unit (VTU)

A Home Office unit established to coordinate responses to terrorist attacks and support victims.

Family liaison

A police function to support families and ensure effective investigations in mass fatality incidents.

Evacuation

Moving people away from danger to a safe location.