Planning a command and control centre: a step-by-step guide

Short answer

To plan a command and control centre (ICCC), first decide what it must achieve, then list the systems to connect, plan the people and shifts, and write clear rules for each event. Design the room, start with a small pilot, and measure response times every month before you grow.

Key points

• Goals first, screens later
• Write SOPs for every event type
• Pilot one area before scaling
• Track time to notice and time to respond

Last updated: 24 Oct 2026

Step 1: What should the centre do?

Decide the goals first. For example: respond faster to incidents, watch traffic, or manage large events.

Step 2: Which systems will you join?

List them: cameras, access control, fire alarms, GPS tracking, sensors and emergency calls.

Step 3: Who will work in the room?

Plan the people: who sits in the room, in which shifts, and who makes which decision.

Step 4: What are the rules (SOPs)?

For each type of event, write who is told, what they do and how the event is closed.

Step 5: How should the room be designed?

Plan the video wall, desks, backup power, network and a backup site.

Step 6: How do you start?

Start small. Run a pilot with one area or a few systems, measure it, then grow.

Step 7: How do you know it works?

Measure every month: time to notice, time to respond, false alarms and uptime.