Event & Case Deconfliction
Event deconfliction helps protect officers and the public by identifying conflicts between law enforcement operations occurring at the same time and location. Chicago HIDTA supports deconfliction as a core officer-safety and intelligence practice across the region.
What Is Event Deconfliction?
Event deconfliction is the process of determining when law enforcement personnel are conducting an operation in close proximity to one another at the same time. Events include undercover operations, surveillance, search warrants, buy-bust operations, and other tactical activities.
When key elements such as time, date, and location match between two or more events, a conflict is generated and the affected agencies are notified so they can coordinate and safely resolve the overlap.
Target Deconfliction
In addition to event deconfliction, Chicago HIDTA strongly encourages agencies to conduct target deconfliction. This process checks investigative targets such as individuals, addresses, phone numbers, online accounts, vehicles, weapons, and other identifiers to determine whether another agency is working the same target.
Target deconfliction helps investigators avoid operational conflicts, duplicate efforts, and missed opportunities for collaboration. It also strengthens officer safety and enhances case efficiency.
Pointer System — No Case Details Are Shared
The deconfliction system functions strictly as a pointer index. When overlapping data is detected, the system does not share your case information, investigative details, or narrative with any other agency. Instead, it simply alerts both agencies that a possible match exists.
It is then up to the involved officers, agents, or supervisors to communicate directly and determine the nature of the overlap. This ensures operational security while promoting safe and coordinated enforcement activity.
Why Deconfliction Matters
Using an event deconfliction system enhances officer safety, reduces risk and liability, and improves case coordination. Officers are able to identify operational conflicts, avoid blue-on-blue encounters, and leverage information from other agencies working the same targets or locations.
- Enhances safety during high-risk operations.
- Reduces the chance of uncoordinated or conflicting enforcement actions.
- Supports wellness by reducing stress and uncertainty in the field.
- Helps agencies discover related investigations and share information.
- No cost to agencies for using participating deconfliction systems.
How to Use Deconfliction
Chicago HIDTA encourages agencies to make deconfliction a standard part of operational planning.
- Enroll in deconfliction. New users should complete the Deconfliction New User Form to request access.
- Enter events before operations. Submit planned operations, surveillance, and warrant service before they begin.
- Respond to conflicts. When a conflict is identified, immediately contact the other agency to coordinate.
- Use deconfliction for long-term cases. Complex investigations may benefit from additional support and coordination through HIDTA.
Deconfliction Forms & Support
Enroll in Deconfliction
Request access to the deconfliction system as a new user.
Deconfliction New User Form →Submit an Event
Enter new events for deconfliction prior to conducting enforcement operations.
Deconfliction Submission Form →Inquiry Request
Request information, checks, or support related to deconfliction or ongoing cases.
Inquiry Request Form →Long-Term Case Assistance
Ask for additional support or coordination for complex, long-term investigations.
Long-Term Case Assistance Form →Make Deconfliction Part of Every Operation
Deconfliction is a simple step that can prevent tragedy and improve case outcomes. If your agency has questions about deconfliction policies, training, or system access, contact Chicago HIDTA for assistance.
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