The Pandemic Influenza Plan: Implications for Local Law Enforcement

In November 2005, after several years of concern, discussion, and planning in related matters, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan. Post-outbreak action under the plan, if and when that becomes necessary, will require taking steps in the public square that are highly unusual, possibly unprecedented in both nature and scope, and almost certainly highly controversial. Because local law enforcement will be deeply involved in any such steps, law enforcement should undertake significant planning in coordination with others with post-outbreak responsibilities.