Command System

The “government-wide mobilisation” level is not a standing mechanism for handling incidents.  It will only be initiated under very exceptional circumstances where the policy bureau responsible for handling the incident (the Initiating Bureau) considers that the scale, seriousness or urgency of the incident is far beyond its capability in terms of manpower resources to handle or contain.

The initiation of the “government-wide mobilisation” level requires endorsement from the Chief Executive.

Upon initiation of the “government-wide mobilisation” level, the Initiating Bureau will promptly formulate, coordinate and take command of the entire emergency operation, including the necessary staff deployment to the quick response unit, work arrangements and other logistical support.

The Initiating Bureau may establish a command centre to facilitate the command of the quick response unit and assign a senior official of the Bureau as the commander. 

The Initiating Bureau is required to closely monitor the development of the incident and keep the manpower requirement under constant review.  As the mobilised staff will be temporarily absent from their normal duties and public services may thereby be affected, the “government-wide mobilisation” level should be lifted once the incident is under control.