when a massive earthquake strikes,oc ahoti py a crucial role in coordinating rescue operations. officials in the greater tokyo area are working to ensure that th ctan action even in the worst circumstce >> reporter: police earth wake and tsunami drill. the assumption is that police headquarters have been dag and the command center must be located. in march they prepare t contingency by setting up an alternative site 25 kilometers away. tnsto w m face problems such as downed phone lines and overloaded wireless neor. wto sdy way toss prepare for these contingencies. >> reporter: in toky this building stands on solid bed rock. some20 employees reside within kilometers of the office. if disaster stkes, ty wl set up a disaster headquarters there. also employees have been assigned specific duties in emgeie t the preparedness goes even further. eyav s up an alternative site, 70 kilometers ea the base hospital. the backup site is ready. should a disaster strike. it's equipped withheame communication as the government offices. 60 employees livingn adjacent buildings are on call to man th