Appendix C: A Proposed Method for Tracking the Geographical Direction of a Civil Disturbance
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The Los Angeles civil disturbance shows that incident spontaneously emerge at several locations a few miles apart (Webster, 1992). These points grow outward in a relatively unpredictable manner; i.e. the exact next block that the violence will spread too can not be predicted. Media also acts as a vector or catalyst for violent activity and looting. The overall direction that the civil disturbance grows in is well defined by EMS calls, fires, and law enforcement activities and tactics. The rate that the disturbance is developing at and its direction of movement can be traced by geographically mapping (see Webster 1992, p. 126) locator units on EMS', fire, and law enforcement vehicles (animal locator transmitters could be used if necessary). This data should be continuously mapped in real time such that each vehicle location is constantly known and projected on a video screen. By video taping the event and then replaying it "fast forward" a growth pattern should emerge. The display should be kept simple so that the pattern is easily perceivable. Digital vehicle locator data could also be used to produce computer maps colored in a scale of gray to show relative concentrations of vehicles. Videos and digital maps could be transmitted or sent to hospitals to help them prepare their response. It would be analogous to administrators on the roof of Saint Francis Hospital watching smoke plumes moving toward them. |
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Medical Care for the Injured