LCS Unit Order 54

LANCASTER STATION

 UNIT ORDER #54

ASSIGNED PATROL AREAS

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this unit order is to establish protocol regarding the dispatching of calls for service to patrol units within the City of Lancaster.  This will help maintain stability and continuity among patrol units within a particular area of the city and increase a deputy’s knowledge and familiarity within a smaller portion of the city.

ORDER:

It shall be the responsibility of all personnel to familiarize themselves with the city’s patrol areas.  Patrol areas are maintained in the MDC mapper which is available to all personnel.  All patrol areas will be approved by the unit commander.

Dispatcher

• The handle on calls for service shall be given to units assigned to the area where the call for service exists. The assist on calls for service should be given to units assigned to the area where the call for service exists.

• Calls should not be assigned to patrol units outside of the patrol area unless the assigned unit’s response will be met with significant delay (60 minutes for routine, 20 minutes for priority, 10 minutes for emergent). 

• Refer to Lancaster station unit order #10 for information regarding “Delayed Response Calls.”

• Attempts to obtain a response time from the handling unit will be made prior to the call’s handle being switched to another unit.

In cases where units will be unavailable to handle a call in their assigned patrol area, calls will be dispatched to units closest to the patrol area where a call for service exists.

• Nothing shall preclude any units from responding to or being dispatched to a call for service and safely securing a scene prior to the handling unit’s arrival.  This is especially true for priority and emergent calls.

• Nothing shall preclude any units from responding to a back-up or assistance request in any patrol area.

• Any deviation must have the approval of the watch sergeant.  These guidelines will be followed absent emergent circumstances.

Watch Deputy

The watch deputy shall continue to be responsible for dispatch center personnel and ensure their efficiency.  Regular checks of the dispatcher and calls for service should be made to ensure compliance with this order.

Patrol Personnel

All personnel shall maintain patrol area integrity in compliance with Field Operations Directive 04-04.  All personnel shall devote their full attention to their assigned patrol area and reporting districts absent situations addressed in the Field Operations Directive.

Supervisors

Sergeants shall monitor personnel to ensure compliance with this unit order.