Public_Alerts

Policy 316CSU Police Department Systemwide Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/08/30, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentPublic Alerts - 1Public Alerts 316.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for alerting the public to important information and soliciting public aid when appropriate. 316.2 POLICY Public alerts may be employed using the Emergency Alert System (EAS), local radio, television and press organizations and other groups to notify the public of incidents, or enlist the aid of the public, when the exchange of information may enhance the safety of the community. Various types of alerts may be available based upon each situation and the alert system's individual criteria. Nothing in this policy shall supersede the requirements contained within the CSU Policy "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the 'Clery Act')". 316.3 RESPONSIBILITIES 316.3.1 MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES Members of the CSU Police Department should notify their Watch Commander, Division Commander, or Chief of Police as soon as practicable upon learning of a situation where public notification, a warning, or enlisting the help of the media and public could assist in locating a missing person, apprehending a dangerous person, or gathering information. 316.3.2 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES A supervisor or officer (if a supervisor is not available) apprised of the need for a public alert is responsible to make the appropriate notifications to the Chief of Police or designee based upon the circumstances of each situation. The supervisor or officer (if a supervisor is not available) shall promptly notify the Chief of Police or designee of the need to issue a public alert and provide an initial draft bulletin for approval. The Chief of Police or designated social media coordinator should utilize department social media platforms to inform the community about the public alert and solicit community assistance. Upon updates or cancellation of the public alert, any social media platform should be promptly updated. The supervisor or officer (if a supervisor is not available) is responsible for the following: (a)Updating alerts (b)Canceling alerts (c)Ensuring all appropriate reports are completed 316.4 AMBER ALERTS The AMBER Alert™ Program is a voluntary partnership between law enforcement agencies, broadcasters, transportation agencies and the wireless industry, to activate urgent bulletins in child abduction cases. CSU Police Department Systemwide Policy Manual Public Alerts Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/08/30, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentPublic Alerts - 2316.4.1 CRITERIA FOR AMBER ALERT The following conditions must be met before activating an AMBER Alert (Government Code § 8594(a)): (a)A child has been abducted or taken by anyone, including but not limited to a custodial parent or guardian. (b)The victim is 17 years of age or younger, or has a proven mental or physical disability. (c)The victim is in imminent danger of serious injury or death. (d)There is information available that, if provided to the public, could assist in the child’s safe recovery. 316.4.2 PROCEDURE FOR AMBER ALERT The supervisor or officer (if a supervisor is not available) in charge will ensure the following: (a)An initial patrol bulletin is prepared that includes all available information that might aid in locating the child: 1.The child's identity, age and description 2.Photograph if available 3.The suspect's identity, age and description, if known 4.Pertinent vehicle description 5.Detail regarding location of incident, direction of travel, potential destinations, if known 6.Name and telephone number of the Press Information Officer or other authorized individual to handle media liaison 7.A telephone number for the public to call with leads or information (b)The local California Highway Patrol communications center should be contacted to initiate a multi-regional or statewide EAS broadcast, following any policies and procedures developed by CHP (Government Code § 8594). (c)The patrol bulletin information is forwarded to the Sheriff's Department Emergency Communications Bureau so that general broadcasts can be made to local law enforcement agencies. (d)Information regarding the missing person should be entered into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (CLETS). (e)Information regarding the missing person should be entered into the California Department of Justice Missing and Unidentified Persons System (MUPS)/National Crime Information Center (NCIC). (f)The following resources should be considered as circumstances dictate: 1.The local FBI office 2.National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) CSU Police Department Systemwide Policy Manual Public Alerts Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/08/30, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentPublic Alerts - 3316.5 BLUE ALERTS Blue Alerts may be issued when an officer is killed, injured or assaulted and the suspect may pose a threat to the public or other law enforcement personnel. 316.5.1 CRITERIA FOR BLUE ALERTS All of the following conditions must be met before activating a Blue Alert (Government Code § 8594.5): (a)A law enforcement officer has been killed, suffered serious bodily injury or has been assaulted with a deadly weapon, and the suspect has fled the scene of the offense. (b)The investigating law enforcement agency has determined that the suspect poses an imminent threat to the public or other law enforcement personnel. (c)A detailed description of the suspect’s vehicle or license