May 2026
• There shall be one designated Incident Commander( IC) for every specific operation, regardless of the agency rank of the individual.
• No " Gentleman’ s Orders ": Directives must be clear, concise, and transmitted via established radio channels. " Requests " or " suggestions " from high command are not recognized as tactical orders. If an order is ambiguous, and has a major impact on the strategic aims, the subordinate is mandated to request immediate clarification before proceeding.
2.2. The " Safety Veto "( The Truscott Protocol) While the Incident Commander has final authority, any Team Leader( regardless of agency) retains the right to a " Safety Veto." If a tactical Team Leader deems an entry or maneuver unsafe based on real-time ground intelligence, they may halt the action without fear of administrative reprisal.
• Strategic goals( including political pressure) shall never override tactical safety.
The " Truscott " Clause: This empowers the modern equivalents of General Truscott to speak up against dangerous plans without being ignored by an ambitious commander.
ARTICLE III: PERSONNEL AND SPECIALIZATION
3.1. Force Multiplication Agencies agree to utilize the unique strengths of partner agencies as primary assets:
• MCPD provides local knowledge and undercover assets.
• CSO provides rural tracking, K9 units, and county jail intelligence.
• Federal Agency provides technical surveillance, funding, and federal prosecutorial avenues.
3.2. Respect for Jurisdiction No agency is considered " subordinate." Smaller agencies are equal partners in tactical planning. The Task Force Board will not sideline partners based on the size of their department.
The " French Corps " Clause: This ensures that smaller or specialized agencies( like the Sheriff ' s Office or Transit Police) are treated with the same respect Clark eventually gave the French, maximizing their unique skills rather than marginalizing them.
ARTICLE IV: MEDIA AND PUBLIC INFORMATION
4.1. Joint Credit All media inquiries, press releases, and press conferences regarding R-VCTF operations shall be handled by a Joint Information Center( JIC).
• No Unilateral Releases: No single agency shall release information or claim sole credit for a Task Force operation.
• Visual Representation: Press conferences will feature representatives from all participating agencies.
• Branding: Evidence seized will be displayed under the banner of the Task Force, not the logo of a single agency.
The " Anti-Glory " Clause: This directly addresses Clark’ s obsession with the Fifth Army taking Rome alone. It prevents the " turf war " where agencies hide intel to ensure they get the TV spot.
ARTICLE V: INFORMATION SHARING AND DECONFLICTION
5.1. Mandatory Deconfliction All targets, locations, and subjects must be entered into the regional Deconfliction System( e. g., RISSafe) at least( insert time eg. 2 hours) prior to an operation.
• Hoarding Prohibition: Intentionally withholding intelligence to secure a unilateral arrest is grounds for immediate removal from the Task Force.
5.2. Transparency of Intent The Executive Board must brief all Agency Heads on long-term strategic goals weekly. There shall be no " secret agendas " or side missions conducted by one agency under the cover of the Task Force.
The " Trust " Clause: This cures the paranoia Clark felt regarding British motives. By mandating transparency, agencies cannot suspect that the Federal Lead is " using " local officers for ulterior motives.
ARTICLE VI: DISPUTE RESOLUTION
6.1. The Executive Steering Committee Disputes regarding jurisdiction, credit, or strategy will be resolved by a Steering Committee comprised of one Chief / Special Agent / Strategic Commander from each agency. Decisions must be unanimous.
6.2. Termination of MOU Any agency may withdraw with( inset days eg 30 days ') notice, but intelligence shared up to that point remains the property of the Task Force.
Continued on page 23
New Jersey Police Chief Magazine / 20