((This report would only be distributed to GAC Members with some sort of "classified" status - i.e. it's not for in-character public consumption. Much thanks to Edward Batten's player for his contributions!))
Rhydin's Emergency Response Analysis
Sanctioned Assets
These are government sponsored and sanctioned entities of which the general public is aware and that have authority to act to enforce the law (such as it is in Rhydin) and defend the populace
Rhydin City Watch Personnel
934 Personnel in total
Command Structure ~1 Watch Commandant ~6 District Commanders ~16 Station Chiefs ~488 Officers ~34 Academy Trainees ~389 Support/Logistic/Administrative Staff
Average Response Time per District ~Dragon's Gate: 3.54 minutes ~Old Market: 1.82 minutes ~New Haven: 0.88 minutes ~Seaside: 0.69 minutes ~Dockside: 5.32 minutes ~Old Temple/Southgate: 2.14 minutes ~Overlord's Isle*: 14.88 minutes *While not a district, the island is part of the city's jurisdiction
Rhydin Air & Space Guard Personnel
298 Personnel in total
~1 RASG Commander ~4* Squadron Leaders ~98 Aircraft/Spacecraft ~72 support vehicles ~301st Firebees Atmospheric Defense Squadron (VA-301): 26 ~103rd vanguard Space Defense Squadron (VS-103): 32 ~209th Kestrels Long-Range Reconnaissance & Early Warning Squadron (VR-209): 28 ~81st Sunliner Training Squadron (VT-81): 12 ~129 Pilots & Crew ~165 Support/Logistic/Administrative Staff *One of these is also the RASG Commander
Average Sorties/Day: 38
Undisclosed Assets
These assets are government sponsored and sanctioned entities that the general public is (as yet) unaware of, which have authority granted to them to enforce the law (again, such as it is in Rhydin)
The Avengers (Status Unknown*) - The status, makeup, inner workings and allegiances of this group are only known to a select few. Thus, they cannot be relied upon or considered as a viable asset for purposes of this report's analysis. *Wolvinator would likely be one of the best people to provide an accurate assessment of this group, given his current position.
Independent Assets
These assets are independently sponsored entities which act on the city's behalf in its interests and defense, with full public awareness, and/or have limited authority to enforce the law, but are not controlled by the government
The Scathachian Sisterhood - Between fifteen and twenty four trained personnel
The Clandestine Order of Scathach - Exact number and composition unknown, estimated between five and ten trained personnel
The Templar Knights " Little known about their current-day capabilities or makeup
Star's End Spaceport " The distance between Star's End and Rhydin prevents them from being able to render immediate aid in an unforeseen emergency; however, the Spaceport does and should continue to serve as a secondary base of rescue operations and can ferry emergency supplies as well as assist in evacuation of the city's populace (it can also serve as an evacuation location when necessary, for a limited number of people).
Private Assets
These assets are privately sponsored entities which have no authority to enforce the law except on their sponsor's grounds. There are a number of corporate entities in Rhydin, many (if not most or all) employing their own private security forces - while they may not be officially part of Rhydin's defensive forces, they can still be petitioned for utilization in a transport, logistical or support capacity, with some negotiation
Red Star Station " The distance between Red Star Station and Rhydin prevents them from being able to render immediate aid in an unforeseen emergency; however, the Station does and should continue to serve as a secondary base of rescue operations and can ferry emergency supplies as well as assist in evacuation of the city's populace.
There are numerous other small groups who can would fit into the "Private Assets" category. However, their capabilities should not be relied upon for purposes of this report as, at times, they can serve as more a hinderance than a help to the government, despite best intentions.
Proposals
Intra-City Communication Improvements
As proven when the Sanyumato storm struck Rhydin two years ago, communication and coordination was vastly lacking between several governmentally controlled groups, especially the Watch, government scientists and rescue teams. Policies implemented by then-Governor Simon, in addition to the increased capabilities of the new/overhauled Watch Stations, resulted in some improvement. However, recent drill scenarios have revealed that DART (Disaster Aid and Recovery Teams) deployment times and intra-city communication are not acceptable and below standards.
Adding an Emergency Command Center and identifying key individuals to direct and operate that facility in an emergency situation would help resolve communication blockades and breakdowns; designating primary individuals to maintain responsibility for and facilitation of emergency communications will allow for better organization and one clear message being sent to all groups. It will also create a central location from which emergency operations will be directed and facilitated and serve as the chief location to where all communications will be directed, processed, and prioritized.
Batten Industries" Public Emergency Notification Array
Summary
This array consists of a series of emergency call stations placed throughout Rhydin, all interlinked wirelessly to a semi-intelligent central monitoring unit. The monitoring unit would not only report to law enforcement when one of the stations was activated, it would monitor noise activity in its area for sounds suggestive of violence as defined by its programming; however, in the event of an ambiguous alert being triggered, the unit will relay the call to a sentient operator for confirmation.
Units
The units themselves are simple 'push to talk' devices. To compensate for such things as attempted vandalism or forcible removal, the devices are placed upon a simple, sturdy, cylindrical post which is lit by colored light (either red or blue) and have a universal symbol for help (an exclamation point in an upright triangle, for example), as well as a sign with the word 'HELP' printed on it in various, commonly spoken languages in Rhydin. The posts can be anchored and are armored to withstand wear and tear by the elements, vandals, or other sources of abuse.
Benefits
The system could, and likely would, make Watch personnel (after training and experience) aware of some criminal and violent activities much sooner than current protocols allow. Based upon existing field tests and scenarios, an 18%-32% improvement can be expected, depending upon the district and primary Watch Station.
Ease-of-use: a simple interface should allow the public a quick and clear insight on how to utilize the system in an emergency situation. The system will not require public interaction in order to function; it will constantly monitor audible activity within a set radius around each unit's location and automatically trigger alerts to the nearest Watch Station.
Batten Industries is willing to defray the costs associated with constructing the units (including any units in the future which may be constructed in such a way as to be able to function in West End), as well as setting up and maintaining the network and central monitoring unit, and replacement units should they be needed; however, this sort of system will require that personnel be trained to operate and monitor it, and possibly may require that additional communication equipment be purchased for better coordination of emergency units, which will be the responsibility of Rhydin's government.
Drawbacks
Citywide deployment is not currently feasible. Field tests of this system have been successful, except in the area known as Dockside (aka West End), where the unique nature of that area caused malfunctions which interfered with the system's operation. Deployment of this system in all districts except Dockside may trigger upset in a district that already tends to categorize itself as maligned and neglected.
As long as control of this system is maintained by a 3rd party, it cannot be considered totally reliable. This is not a slight or statement against Batten Industries who have generously offered to partially absorb the costs of installation and maintenance. However, should Batten Industries suffer catastrophe, change of heart, close down, sour in its relationship with Rhydin's government, or prove unable (for any given reason) to maintain the system and required infrastructure, it could alter or shut down the system wholly outside of governmental jurisdiction.
The system relies upon two primary, yet faulty, criteria in order to function as intended. The first is the public itself " the public must utilize (and utilize correctly/as intended) the system in order for it to be effective and add value to the Watch. The second is programming and software " the system will analyze and interpret sounds and generate an alert or contact a 'sentient operator" for confirmation. Unless the sounds are accompanied by visual reference, a 'sentient operator" in a remote location may not be able to discern any more than the machine itself. Likewise, a software system reliant upon algorithms and generic/specific criteria to determine 'sounds suggestive of violence? is open to failure (software or hardware), abuse (manipulation of programming), and inaccurate reporting as has already been demonstrated in Dockside.
Conclusion
The system, as proposed, is flawed and may not, even with defrayed costs, prove effective. However, with further advancements, enhancements and modifications (ex. a visual system to liaise with the audio capabilities) this sort of alert system may prove beneficial for all districts. Further pursuit of this system is recommended.
Public Emergency Notification Broadcasts
Either independent or in conjunction with the Array proposed by Batten Industries, citywide announcements (especially in emergency/disaster situations) are critically important. Such alerts can be transmitted over existing carrier waves (ex. radio, VidNet) and devices. However, for those citizens who do not rely upon and/or have access to such means of receiving alerts, a two-fold system should be implemented. While we could consider deploying physical messengers or heralds throughout the city to broadcast the alert/notice, such a system would, especially in an emergency situation, prove too slow and inefficient. Instead, the government should identify, within each district, individuals who will assume responsibility for local notifications (ex. a specific city block, a densely populated building, etc.). While not ideal from a speed and efficiency perspective, this system can be effective if utilized properly.
Primarily, though, a citywide audible alert system should be created and implemented. This AAS could be tied into the Batten Industries array-units (if that proposal is accepted and the units deployed) or at existing neighborhood locations and main public buildings. This AAS would be siren/klaxon based, with sound dependent upon type of emergency (ex. one long pulse to signify a fire alert, two short pulses to indicate an outbreak of violence, etc.). Secondarily, the RASG should, during these crises, perform slow-speed-low-level flyovers, with pilots broadcasting the type of emergency and any pertinent instructions (ex. evacuate the city, clear the streets, etc.). At least one RASG craft, and preferably two for the larger ones (Old Temple, Dragon's Gate, Dockside), would maintain responsibility for each district with the craft assigned to Seaside, given the district's small size, also responsible for alerting Overlord's Isle.
Rhydin's Emergency Response Analysis
Sanctioned Assets
These are government sponsored and sanctioned entities of which the general public is aware and that have authority to act to enforce the law (such as it is in Rhydin) and defend the populace
Rhydin City Watch Personnel
934 Personnel in total
Command Structure ~1 Watch Commandant ~6 District Commanders ~16 Station Chiefs ~488 Officers ~34 Academy Trainees ~389 Support/Logistic/Administrative Staff
Average Response Time per District ~Dragon's Gate: 3.54 minutes ~Old Market: 1.82 minutes ~New Haven: 0.88 minutes ~Seaside: 0.69 minutes ~Dockside: 5.32 minutes ~Old Temple/Southgate: 2.14 minutes ~Overlord's Isle*: 14.88 minutes *While not a district, the island is part of the city's jurisdiction
Rhydin Air & Space Guard Personnel
298 Personnel in total
~1 RASG Commander ~4* Squadron Leaders ~98 Aircraft/Spacecraft ~72 support vehicles ~301st Firebees Atmospheric Defense Squadron (VA-301): 26 ~103rd vanguard Space Defense Squadron (VS-103): 32 ~209th Kestrels Long-Range Reconnaissance & Early Warning Squadron (VR-209): 28 ~81st Sunliner Training Squadron (VT-81): 12 ~129 Pilots & Crew ~165 Support/Logistic/Administrative Staff *One of these is also the RASG Commander
Average Sorties/Day: 38
Undisclosed Assets
These assets are government sponsored and sanctioned entities that the general public is (as yet) unaware of, which have authority granted to them to enforce the law (again, such as it is in Rhydin)
The Avengers (Status Unknown*) - The status, makeup, inner workings and allegiances of this group are only known to a select few. Thus, they cannot be relied upon or considered as a viable asset for purposes of this report's analysis. *Wolvinator would likely be one of the best people to provide an accurate assessment of this group, given his current position.
Independent Assets
These assets are independently sponsored entities which act on the city's behalf in its interests and defense, with full public awareness, and/or have limited authority to enforce the law, but are not controlled by the government
The Scathachian Sisterhood - Between fifteen and twenty four trained personnel
The Clandestine Order of Scathach - Exact number and composition unknown, estimated between five and ten trained personnel
The Templar Knights " Little known about their current-day capabilities or makeup
Star's End Spaceport " The distance between Star's End and Rhydin prevents them from being able to render immediate aid in an unforeseen emergency; however, the Spaceport does and should continue to serve as a secondary base of rescue operations and can ferry emergency supplies as well as assist in evacuation of the city's populace (it can also serve as an evacuation location when necessary, for a limited number of people).
Private Assets
These assets are privately sponsored entities which have no authority to enforce the law except on their sponsor's grounds. There are a number of corporate entities in Rhydin, many (if not most or all) employing their own private security forces - while they may not be officially part of Rhydin's defensive forces, they can still be petitioned for utilization in a transport, logistical or support capacity, with some negotiation
Red Star Station " The distance between Red Star Station and Rhydin prevents them from being able to render immediate aid in an unforeseen emergency; however, the Station does and should continue to serve as a secondary base of rescue operations and can ferry emergency supplies as well as assist in evacuation of the city's populace.
There are numerous other small groups who can would fit into the "Private Assets" category. However, their capabilities should not be relied upon for purposes of this report as, at times, they can serve as more a hinderance than a help to the government, despite best intentions.
Proposals
Intra-City Communication Improvements
As proven when the Sanyumato storm struck Rhydin two years ago, communication and coordination was vastly lacking between several governmentally controlled groups, especially the Watch, government scientists and rescue teams. Policies implemented by then-Governor Simon, in addition to the increased capabilities of the new/overhauled Watch Stations, resulted in some improvement. However, recent drill scenarios have revealed that DART (Disaster Aid and Recovery Teams) deployment times and intra-city communication are not acceptable and below standards.
Adding an Emergency Command Center and identifying key individuals to direct and operate that facility in an emergency situation would help resolve communication blockades and breakdowns; designating primary individuals to maintain responsibility for and facilitation of emergency communications will allow for better organization and one clear message being sent to all groups. It will also create a central location from which emergency operations will be directed and facilitated and serve as the chief location to where all communications will be directed, processed, and prioritized.
Batten Industries" Public Emergency Notification Array
Summary
This array consists of a series of emergency call stations placed throughout Rhydin, all interlinked wirelessly to a semi-intelligent central monitoring unit. The monitoring unit would not only report to law enforcement when one of the stations was activated, it would monitor noise activity in its area for sounds suggestive of violence as defined by its programming; however, in the event of an ambiguous alert being triggered, the unit will relay the call to a sentient operator for confirmation.
Units
The units themselves are simple 'push to talk' devices. To compensate for such things as attempted vandalism or forcible removal, the devices are placed upon a simple, sturdy, cylindrical post which is lit by colored light (either red or blue) and have a universal symbol for help (an exclamation point in an upright triangle, for example), as well as a sign with the word 'HELP' printed on it in various, commonly spoken languages in Rhydin. The posts can be anchored and are armored to withstand wear and tear by the elements, vandals, or other sources of abuse.
Benefits
The system could, and likely would, make Watch personnel (after training and experience) aware of some criminal and violent activities much sooner than current protocols allow. Based upon existing field tests and scenarios, an 18%-32% improvement can be expected, depending upon the district and primary Watch Station.
Ease-of-use: a simple interface should allow the public a quick and clear insight on how to utilize the system in an emergency situation. The system will not require public interaction in order to function; it will constantly monitor audible activity within a set radius around each unit's location and automatically trigger alerts to the nearest Watch Station.
Batten Industries is willing to defray the costs associated with constructing the units (including any units in the future which may be constructed in such a way as to be able to function in West End), as well as setting up and maintaining the network and central monitoring unit, and replacement units should they be needed; however, this sort of system will require that personnel be trained to operate and monitor it, and possibly may require that additional communication equipment be purchased for better coordination of emergency units, which will be the responsibility of Rhydin's government.
Drawbacks
Citywide deployment is not currently feasible. Field tests of this system have been successful, except in the area known as Dockside (aka West End), where the unique nature of that area caused malfunctions which interfered with the system's operation. Deployment of this system in all districts except Dockside may trigger upset in a district that already tends to categorize itself as maligned and neglected.
As long as control of this system is maintained by a 3rd party, it cannot be considered totally reliable. This is not a slight or statement against Batten Industries who have generously offered to partially absorb the costs of installation and maintenance. However, should Batten Industries suffer catastrophe, change of heart, close down, sour in its relationship with Rhydin's government, or prove unable (for any given reason) to maintain the system and required infrastructure, it could alter or shut down the system wholly outside of governmental jurisdiction.
The system relies upon two primary, yet faulty, criteria in order to function as intended. The first is the public itself " the public must utilize (and utilize correctly/as intended) the system in order for it to be effective and add value to the Watch. The second is programming and software " the system will analyze and interpret sounds and generate an alert or contact a 'sentient operator" for confirmation. Unless the sounds are accompanied by visual reference, a 'sentient operator" in a remote location may not be able to discern any more than the machine itself. Likewise, a software system reliant upon algorithms and generic/specific criteria to determine 'sounds suggestive of violence? is open to failure (software or hardware), abuse (manipulation of programming), and inaccurate reporting as has already been demonstrated in Dockside.
Conclusion
The system, as proposed, is flawed and may not, even with defrayed costs, prove effective. However, with further advancements, enhancements and modifications (ex. a visual system to liaise with the audio capabilities) this sort of alert system may prove beneficial for all districts. Further pursuit of this system is recommended.
Public Emergency Notification Broadcasts
Either independent or in conjunction with the Array proposed by Batten Industries, citywide announcements (especially in emergency/disaster situations) are critically important. Such alerts can be transmitted over existing carrier waves (ex. radio, VidNet) and devices. However, for those citizens who do not rely upon and/or have access to such means of receiving alerts, a two-fold system should be implemented. While we could consider deploying physical messengers or heralds throughout the city to broadcast the alert/notice, such a system would, especially in an emergency situation, prove too slow and inefficient. Instead, the government should identify, within each district, individuals who will assume responsibility for local notifications (ex. a specific city block, a densely populated building, etc.). While not ideal from a speed and efficiency perspective, this system can be effective if utilized properly.
Primarily, though, a citywide audible alert system should be created and implemented. This AAS could be tied into the Batten Industries array-units (if that proposal is accepted and the units deployed) or at existing neighborhood locations and main public buildings. This AAS would be siren/klaxon based, with sound dependent upon type of emergency (ex. one long pulse to signify a fire alert, two short pulses to indicate an outbreak of violence, etc.). Secondarily, the RASG should, during these crises, perform slow-speed-low-level flyovers, with pilots broadcasting the type of emergency and any pertinent instructions (ex. evacuate the city, clear the streets, etc.). At least one RASG craft, and preferably two for the larger ones (Old Temple, Dragon's Gate, Dockside), would maintain responsibility for each district with the craft assigned to Seaside, given the district's small size, also responsible for alerting Overlord's Isle.