While 67 percent of the department had some sort of written policy on how to handle hazardous materials situations, some were so general as to be of little practical help. Initial responder training for police officers should cover hazardous conditions identification, reporting, personnel evacuation, and self-protection techniques; it should last two to four hours, with annual refreshers. Many officers carry guidebooks in their patrol vehicles to assist them in emergencies. There is a need for local, State, or national control centers which can facilitate communications between officers and hazardous materials specialists. In some cases, police agencies have coordinated their efforts with the local fire department.