With the Police responding to critical and complex incidents, sometimes these incidents may require resources that go beyond the capacity and capability of the Police force. Some of these incidents may require the need of other partner agencies, other specialist skillsets and equipment and thus would need to be effectively managed and coordinated. Mobilisation is the process which supports mutual aid, at the local, regional or national level.

The National Police Coordination Centre (NPoCC) is responsible for the mobilisation of police assets, including general policing, operations and crime business areas. A lead force will be responsible for resourcing nationally-led crime enquiries. NPoCC should be the initial point of contact for any mobilisation requirements as it can provide advice and national coordination.

It is important to note that this a challenging area of work, particularly when the length of the investigation is unknown and mobilising crime assets is a new and emerging business field (mutual aid) for the Police service.