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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2002
PR-223-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG, POLICE COMMISSIONER
RAYMOND W. KELLY, AND FIRE COMMISSIONER NICHOLAS SCOPPETTA RELEASE McKINSEY & COMPANY
STUDIES OF NYPD'S AND FDNY'S RESPONSES TO
WORLD TRADE CENTER ATTACK

Report Focuses on Departmental Reforms and Inter-Agency Coordination and Communication

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, and Fire
Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta today released the studies conducted by the management-consulting firm of McKinsey & Company (McKinsey) concerning the NYPD's and FDNY's responses to last year's attack on the World Trade Center. Earlier this year, the NYPD and FDNY each enlisted the services of McKinsey on a pro-bono basis to identify both the effective and ineffective aspects of the responses so that the City might be better prepared for large-scale emergencies in the future. The independent, comprehensive reports confirm the tremendous bravery and heroism of the men and women of both Departments in conducting the most successful urban emergency evacuation in modern history, as well as highlighting important areas for improvement in responding to large-scale emergencies.

"The findings of the McKinsey report illustrate both the strengths and weaknesses of the New York Police Department and Fire Department in handling large-scale emergencies, and provide significant opportunities for these vitally important agencies to improve their ability to respond to potential crisis situations in the future," Mayor Bloomberg said. "Some of the report's recommendations mirror the initiatives launched by the NYPD and FDNY over the last few months to promote inter-departmental communication and coordination and protect New York City during catastrophic events; others deserve thorough consideration by the respective Commissioners. We owe it to those we lost and to those they left behind to learn what we can from this tragedy and I would like to thank McKinsey for their hard work so that these two agencies can build on the their proud traditions of being the world's Finest and Bravest."

"In the end, this examination of our performance will make us a stronger Department," Commissioner Kelly said. "None of the findings detract in any way from the remarkable heroism and life saving efforts by the police officers and firefighters who responded that day."

"This report by McKinsey & Company successfully completes the goal we outlined six months ago: to look independently at the Fire Department's response and operations on September 11, to see what lessons we could learn from what happened, and to come up with recommendations for change - along with a blueprint to implement those changes - that will leave us better prepared if we are ever again confronted with a catastrophic emergency," Commissioner Scoppetta said.

In its review of the NYPD's response to the attack on the World Trade Center, McKinsey identifies several opportunities for improvement in the emergency response capabilities of the Police Department. The report highlights the following areas for potential improvement:

The NYPD has already begun to address many of these issues, and has established several task forces to develop specific action plans in the areas of operational command, communications, personnel deployment, equipment and logistics, intelligence, training, and planning. In addition, since January 1st, the Police Department has implemented a series of reforms independent of the McKinsey report:

In its review of the FDNY's response to the attack on the World Trade Center, McKinsey identifies several opportunities for improvement in the emergency response capabilities of the Fire Department. The report highlights the following areas for potential improvement:

The FDNY has already enacted measures aimed at achieving many of the goals set forth by the McKinsey report, including expanding and reorganizing the Department's top uniformed ranks through the appointment of five Staff Chiefs as Borough Commanders.

Since January 1st, the NYPD and FDNY have launched several initiatives and established various policies and procedures to facilitate inter-agency cooperation, coordination, and communication during emergency situations. In addition to regular meetings between Commissioners Kelly and Scoppetta, the collaborative measures include:

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Ed Skyler / Jerry Russo
(212) 788-2958
  Michael O'Looney (NYPD)
(646) 610-6700
Francis X. Gribbon (FDNY)
(718) 999-2056