March 1, 2018
CoSSaR Releases New Report: Beyond Incident Response
Sponsored by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), CoSSaR’s researchers undertook a study of how the region could improve response to major incidents. In collaboration with law enforcement and transportation agencies with jurisdiction in the Seattle area—WSDOT, SDOT, Seattle Fire Department, Seattle Police Department, Washington State Patrol, and King County Metro—CoSSaR reviewed policies and procedures, studied past incidents, and conducted tabletop exercises to understand current and possible future responses to a major incident.
The final report includes several recommendations based on the outcomes of the initial research, including enhancement of the cross-agency information sharing environment, as well as improved communication with the commuting public. CoSSaR will continue to work with all of the above agencies in 2018 to further interagency collaboration, as well as design and prototype the recommended technologies.
“The report recommendations make clear the need to formalize and empower an extended community that is ready to work together on all aspects of whatever is thrown at them,” said Professor Mark Haselkorn, lead author of the report. “Moving forward, the Seattle area interagency working group will provide a critical addition to the fabric of our city’s preparedness, resilience and ability to act as a coordinated community.”
“Beyond Incident Response” was released by the University of Washington’s Mobility Innovation Center.