20-11 - Backup/Assistance Requests and Coordinated Emergency Responses
BACKUP/ASSISTANCE REQUESTS AND COORDINATED
EMERGENCY RESPONSES
When a deputy in the field is involved in a situation where help is needed, they must be aware that a nonspecific request will result in an uncoordinated response. This may be a greater hazard to life and property than the original incident. Deputies must minimize this hazard by giving the following information:
- Unit;
- Exact location;
- Reason for the request;
- Use "backup" if routine – i.e. vehicle search, traffic control, etc.;
- Specify "assistance" if emergent – i.e., deputy involved in fight, large hostile crowd interfering with duties, etc.; and
- Number of units required to handle the situation:
- One, two or more units may be obtained by stating the number required;
- 997 - the five units with the shortest estimated time of arrival (ETA) will respond. Aero will automatically be requested by Sheriff’s Communications Center (SCC); and
- 999 - an extreme emergency, more than five units will respond. Aero will automatically be requested by SCC.
The deputy making the request shall monitor their radio long enough to determine their request has been received by the SCC operator. Additionally, they shall establish a radio command post as soon as possible to provide status reports, to coordinate the efforts of arriving units, and to confirm adequate assistance or backup units actually arrives.
Keep In mind, other units may be away from their radio car or not monitoring L-TAC which could cause a request to be delayed or unanswered. Therefore, requests should be made over your station’s dispatch channel to ensure SCC receives your request.
Field units shall coordinate responses to high-risk calls, containments, and special operations. The initial coordination should be coordinated via the Duplex Patch when feasible. “Initial coordination” is defined as the giving of the deputies estimated time of arrival, and may, depending on the nature of the call, include tactical communications prior to arrival of units at the scene. After this point, all tactical coordination shall take place on the tactical radio channels.
Portable radios do not always transmit clearly. When possible, requests, coordination, containments, and broadcasts should be done via your radio car’s mobile radio.
If you have any questions, please call or email Field Operations Support Services at [REDACTED TEXT]
REFERENCES
Manual of Policy and Procedures (MPP) 5-09/220.00 Requests for Assistance.
Manual of Policy and Procedures (MPP) 3-07/050.00 Requests by Radio.
Manual of Policy and Procedures (MPP) 2-10/070.00 Communications Equipment.