Operational readiness is a cornerstone of effective public safety response. For agencies that rely on FirstNet, the nationwide broadband network dedicated to first responders, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) offers critical support through a variety of workshops and programs.
These resources help agencies assess their current communications capabilities, identify coverage gaps, and implement strategies for improvement. Whether preparing for an event or evaluating response after an incident, operational assistance from the FirstNet Authority can help public safety enhance their FirstNet experience and improve overall readiness to better support their communities.
Pre-Incident/Event Planning
One of the most impactful ways public safety agencies can prepare for emergencies and large-scale events is through pre-planning. The FirstNet Authority provides pre-incident/event planning support for FirstNet subscribers to develop tailored strategies and help them integrate broadband capabilities into response.
During pre-planning, the FirstNet Authority works with public safety officials to determine where responders will be operating during the event, what broadband capabilities they plan to use, and what technologies this requires. This process helps identify coverage gaps, streamline coordination across agencies and jurisdictions, and ensure a strong communication infrastructure is in place before an event occurs.
As part of the planning process, the FirstNet Authority creates documentation, such as maps with information about key locations, capabilities, and technology needed for the event. This information is then shared with public safety officials, as well as the FirstNet Authority’s network partner, AT&T, to aid in determining the best solutions for the event or incident.
Pre-planning with the FirstNet Authority has supported a variety of incidents and major planned events to date, including music festivals, national sporting events, and even a solar eclipse. If your agency is planning for an upcoming event or wants to prepare for future incidents, contact your local Public Safety Advisor at FirstNet.gov/advisor or email preplanning@firstnet.gov.
Post-Incident/Event Reviews
After a major incident or event where FirstNet supported communications, a structured debrief can provide valuable insights. To meet this need, public safety can request a Post Incident/Event Review (PIER) from the FirstNet Authority to analyze operational successes, challenges, and concerns related to the event.
A PIER is much like an after-action review, but it is focused specifically on broadband operations. It brings together public safety personnel and FirstNet Authority facilitators to evaluate what occurred, how FirstNet was used, and what could be done differently in the future. The expert-led discussion often covers planning, operations, logistics, and the technology deployed.
This collaborative review process is a mutually beneficial learning process for both first responders and the FirstNet Authority. For public safety, it provides a better understanding of how to integrate broadband into future responses. For the FirstNet Authority, it identifies opportunities to better support public safety — whether that be through improved communication, network performance, or awareness of FirstNet resources that are available.
Interested in conducting a Post-Incident/Event Review? Contact PIER@firstnet.gov.
Operational Capabilities Workshop
For a broader look at day-to-day readiness and response strategies, agencies can participate in an Operational Capabilities Workshop. Led by senior public safety advisors, these workshops provide public safety with a hands-on opportunity to enhance their response to incidents and better utilize FirstNet resources.
Using a realistic emergency scenario, workshop participants review more than 20 disaster-response capabilities ranging from deployable network assets and mapping tools to location tracking and remote equipment dispatch. From there, the group identifies the top five capabilities they believe are most essential for the scenario.
The conversations generated often highlight untapped technologies and lead to practical, agency-specific strategies for improving operations. After the workshop, FirstNet Authority staff can help connect agencies with the specific resources they’ve identified as beneficial to their operations.
Workshops are tailored to fit audiences of varying sizes, allowing participating agencies to invite their partner agencies and extended primary partners for a more comprehensive review of response and recovery capabilities. Every agency has unique needs, and Operational Capabilities Workshops are designed to uncover the right solutions, at no cost to public safety. If your agency is ready to dive deeper into your operational capabilities, contact your Public Safety Advisor to schedule a workshop.
Conclusion
FirstNet was built to serve public safety, and the FirstNet Authority is here to ensure it does just that. Through customized planning support, structured post-event reviews, and immersive workshops, public safety agencies can assess and actively improve their broadband operational capabilities.
FirstNet Authority workshops reinforce our core mission to empower first responders with the reliable, secure broadband tools they need to protect and serve their communities. Visit FirstNet.gov/NEEP to learn more.
