The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.
At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts from students. Two additional responses are required after Friday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.
The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each unit.
Assignment Details
A mass-casualty incident (MCI) creates a uniquely challenging management and coordination quagmire. These events can occur as a result of natural disasters, such as a tsunami, earthquake, or hurricane; they can be a result of an accident, such as a ferry sinking during inclement weather; or they can result from an act of violence, such as a terrorist attack like the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing or the attacks of September 11, 2001. In any case, these attacks present a unique challenge to law enforcement, emergency response teams, and government oversight.
As you explore the different methods used to deal with MCIs, as well as the different governmental agencies that may be involved, consider the following:
Assignment Guidelines
- In 6 paragraphs, address the following:
- What federal and state agencies are required to deal with an MCI resulting from a terrorist attack? Why?
- How do you distinguish between federal and state authorities for both operational and management functions? Explain.
- How do you ensure a fusion of effort between federal and state authorities? Explain.
- MCIs resulting from terrorist attacks are considered the purview of law enforcement. This creates a challenge during multijurisdictional MCIs. During MCIs resulting from domestic terrorism, such as the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, what law enforcement agency should have primary jurisdiction? Why?
- How should federal law enforcement engage state and local law enforcement for support? Why?
- Treating long-term physical and mental health effects following any MCI can prove costly to state governments. How should the federal government work with states to ensure that proper medical and mental health is provided? Explain.
- What federal and state organizations should be responsible for these efforts? Why?
- Post a new topic to the Discussion Board that contains your responses to the above questions.
- Comment on at least two other students’ posts.