Within every police organization there is that one unit or squad that gets all of the assignments. Not the choice jobs mind you. This is the unit that receives little, if any notice for most of the ‘pop-up’ assignments. They get the parades, big funerals, political candidates’ visits, VIPs and the other remaining jobs that nobody volunteers for. Larger departments will have a traffic unit or special events detail unit. Smaller and medium sized departments may have a squad to head this up and usually one gnarly old sergeant to handle it all in stride. I have a title for them; it is the SNEW Unit or better known as the Stuff Nobody Else Wants Unit.
Everyone has a SNEW but you really do not appreciate them for what they really do. Now most of you do not want these hot potato jobs dropped in your laps. Many are just plain happy that they do not have to think about assignments like this at all. But, there is one thing you must appreciate and understand, this unit produces your planners. This unit is the best training ground for strategic planners or the folks who get the groundwork done.
Where does long term strategic planning come in? I also exist in the ICS World (Yes I drank the NIMS Kool-Aid) and there does not seem to be a logical fit at first. When we think of ICS there are four groups, I remember them by the acronym “FLOPin”. Finance, Logistics, Operations, Planning and Intel (just be on the safe side). These are pretty easy at first glance. Finance unit is the ‘bean counters’. How much is this costing? Bring in the receipts, and sign here for everything. In the long run, they are the ones that get the accounts balanced, us paid and get the money flow to keep the budget from being ruptured.
Logistics is everything. Without them, nothing is going to happen. They are ones that get the necessary and needful things to the good guys and gals to get stuff done. The game does not begin until logistics rolls the personnel and materials to you. Operations are the workers and specialists. When it comes to getting the skilled jobs done and performed, these are the ones that are the perennial boots on the ground.
Planning staffers are the one who are always making the plans for the next operational period. These folks will be planning your demobilization before you even get there and have already ordered your replacements. Often planning gets dumped on, but they are used to it. They thrive on putting the future puzzle together and will have the alternate plans ready, just in case. A good planner lives in the world of “But, what if” style of thinking. There are always variables; this is why Plan B, C, D and so forth are being cooked up. General Dwight D. Eisenhower is quoted “in preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.” If it worked for Operation Overlord, it will work for your department.
When the question is proposed – ‘what do we want accomplished and by when’; planners brains are spinning up the ideas. They will be hammering out the operational plans to get you there. Within the ranks of your SNEW Unit is often found the home of your best planners. Sure, they have run most of these mission a hundred times and can do them on the fly. Give them the big parade, road race or whatever; they will have you the plans and you will be proud.
How do they save you and the mission? One is maximizing your staff and saving the budgets. No need to bring everyone in at 0500 for a 1000 hours mission, unless you are in the Army (that was a joke for the veterans). They will have the materials prestaged, with shift replacements, rehab, refreshments, and the other little things that make a mission run seamlessly. They will make you look good if you are the commander.
Get Some!
One critical flaw I find in young aspiring sergeants and command staff is that most are eager to let someone else do this planning. Sure, it is behind the scenes and away from the spotlights, but not from the critical eyes of leadership. Often when I am out of town attending a special event or a conference, I observe the flow of the events. Many times I pick up little things to add to my planning repertoire but there are those days that I cringe. If you have ever overseen enough planned/special events you know the support and efforts it requires to make this a success. Now, back to the shy upcoming leaders, take a few turns at being your SNEW leader. The experience you will gain will be valuable. I always recommend a ‘shadowing’ assignment with planning. Then thoroughly read the plans, their notes and later pick their brains on how their system evolved. Take a more hands-on role at the next event, the best way to learn is get the planning dust on you. Yes, it may take hours to plan and publish your plan but the reward of knowing and seeing it blossom in front you can be rewarding.
If you are that upcoming leader, get some planning experience. It will repay you in your career. If you are the chief/sheriff, make the investment of assigning your staffers in their evolution up the chain of command to a planning unit assignment. They will learn to appreciate the work when they are commanders. But, you will never fully understand how the operation works if you are not the one putting the system on the paper and to the leadership. Thankless job, no way! If you have ever been on command of the big incident, you will always go back to the office where the planners are to thank them. They are the ones that made it all appear easy and you look good. Still thinking about the idea of SNEW and planning, go get some! It will make you are stronger operational leader. Train smart to train hard!
William L. Harvey | Chief
William L. "Bill" Harvey is a U.S. Army Military Police Corps veteran. He has a BA in criminology from St. Leo University and is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute of the University of Louisville (103rd AOC). Harvey served for over 23 years with the Savannah (GA) Police Department in field operations, investigations and completed his career as the director of training. Served as the chief of police of the Lebanon City Police Dept (PA) for over seven years and then ten years as Chief of Police for the Ephrata Police Dept (PA). In retirement he continues to publish for professional periodicals and train.
