What is the responsibility of the District Watch Commander if an SOD commander is not present?

The responsibility of the District Watch Commander, in the absence of an SOD (Special Operations Division) commander, is to take charge of the event. This involves making decisions related to the operational aspects of the event, ensuring the safety and security of personnel and the public, and effectively coordinating the response of law enforcement resources on-site.

In situations where the SOD commander is not available, the District Watch Commander steps into a leadership role, ensuring that all units operate under a unified command structure for optimal efficiency. This authority allows them to directly address any emerging issues, allocate resources as needed, and maintain communication with other agencies or departments when required.

While overseeing communication with the public and reporting to the Chief of Police may be part of the duties at various times, these responsibilities are secondary to the immediate need for command and control during an ongoing event. Taking charge of the event ensures that there is no lapse in leadership, preventing chaos and confusion among responding officers and ensuring that the objectives and goals of the operation are met efficiently.