Where should MWD sweeps be conducted in relation to the incident when feasible?

• A. Areas such as command post, incident post, staging areas, evacuation areas, casualty collection points
• B. Locker rooms
• C. Parking meters
• D. Public open spaces far from incident

Answer: (A)

The key idea is to direct MWD sweeps toward the areas that support the incident response and the safety of people moving in and around the incident footprint. Sweeps are most effective when they cover hubs where personnel will gather or pass—the command post, incident post, staging areas, evacuation routes, and casualty collection points—so any concealed device can be found before it disrupts operations or injures responders. These zones are high-value targets for attackers and are the areas where a detectable threat would have the greatest impact on safety and effectiveness. In contrast, sweeping locations like locker rooms, parking meters, or distant public open spaces away from the incident does not align with the goal of protecting responders and incident operations, especially when time or resources are limited. When feasible, focus first on securing and inspecting the critical operational zones and routes people will use.