VIRTUAL Prague Research & Teaching Conference
Abstract
Effective collaboration between the police and emergency services is essential for rapid and coordinated crisis response. This study explores the interaction between these agencies, focusing on task distribution, decision-making processes, and assessment of degree of urgency. Using a mixed-methods approach, both quantitative and qualititative data was investigated. Data from 46,000 assignments was extracted from the Police Operational System (PO) and analysed. In addition, data were collected through semi-structured focus group interviews with police officers from multiple districts. The study identifies key challenges related to information flow, organizational differences, and trust among actors. A theoretical framework based on D’Amour et al. (2008) and Helgesen (2019) is applied to analyze collaboration processes, emphasizing four dimensions: governance and management, formalization, shared goals and visions, and internalization. Findings indicate that formal mechanisms, such as co-location of emergency centers, joint exercises, and triple alert procedures (simultaneous notification of fire, health, and police services), enhance response capacity. However, disparities in responsibility interpretation, resource utilization, operational priorities, and situational awareness remain problematic. Formal mechanisms, including co-location, triple alerting, and joint exercises, are crucial for strengthening collaboration. Despite these measures, organizational differences and varied levels of expertise continue to hinder effective cooperation. To achieve a more cohesive and integrated emergency response, the study concludes that joint training across emergency services is essential. Such training would improve understanding of roles, competencies, and responsibilities, while fostering a stronger interdisciplinary cooperation culture.
Janne H. I. Helgesen is head of section at the Norwegian Police University College. She holds a PhD in criminology from the University of Oslo and a Master’s degree in welfare sciences from Lillehammer University College, Her research explores crime prevention, drug rehabilitation, interdisciplinary collaboration, leadership, and management. Her recent work examined the balance between punishment and welfare service. Currently, she studies police students’ learning outcomes in digital education. Since 2003, she has led academic groups at the University College of Norwegian Correctional Service
Kristin Hellesø-Knutsen is an experienced Senior Advisor at the Department for police preparedness and crisis management in the Norwegian Police Directorate. She has a demonstrated history of working in the law enforcement industry. She has a PhD focused in Societal security and risk management from the University of Stavanger. She is skilled in crisis management, government, and emergency management
Ole Boe is professor of Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management at INN University of Inland Norway and professor and Leadership and Organization at the Norwegian Police University College. He has a PhD in judgments and decision-making. He is currently working on several national and international research projects, where the topics are how to educate for unforeseen situations and sustainability, enhancing combat mindset to perform more optimally, PTSD/PTG and lessons learned from military organizations, and how to increase the life cycle of special forces in NATO.