In partnership with the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD), the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) created a tabletop exercise (TTX) to evaluate response efforts to a public order incident near Joint Base Andrews. Staff from MDERS and PGPD developed the scenario to test participants’ ability to strategically supervise the evolving public order event. These exercises help bolster the capabilities of first responders to effectively guide responses in the Maryland-National Capital Region.

Public order incidents are dynamic events for law enforcement to manage. First responders must balance the rights of demonstrators while ensuring their activities do not become unlawful. These incidents become even more complex when these events occur near sensitive federal and military installations. Local first responders must interface with federal partners and coordinate a synchronized response.

Leadership from PGPD’s Division V identified the need to simulate a response at Joint Base Andrews due to the complexities at the facility. MDERS collaborated with PGPD to formulate a master scenario events list (MSEL) that would dictate exercise play. The scenario involved a small group of protestors near the entrance of Joint Base Andrews. The group grew in size and became more hostile and disruptive. Exercise players had to determine the appropriate and proportional response, communicate with federal and local partners, and oversee resource allocation.

The TTX was held twice at the District V station, allowing multiple officers to participate. Representatives from Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department (PGFD) and Joint Base Andrews joined the exercise to promote vital collaboration. Exercise players underscored the importance of coordination and communication between local and federal partners.

This exercise highlights the importance of first responders continually preparing for threats and challenges facing the region. MDERS will work with stakeholders and regional partners to prepare more exercises to examine and refine response efforts.