Policy Text
Policy Delano Police Department
309 Delano PD Policy Manual
Officer Response to Calls
309.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides for the safe and appropriate response to emergency and non-emergency
situations whether dispatched or self-initiated.
309.2 RESPONSE TO CALLS
Officers dispatched "Code-3" shall consider the call an emergency response and proceed
immediately. Officers responding Code-3 shall continuously operate emergency lighting
equipment, including at minimum a steady forward facing red light, and shall sound the siren as
reasonably necessary pursuant to Vehicle Code § 21055.
Responding with emergency light(s) and siren does not relieve the officer of the duty to continue
to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons. The use of any other warning equipment
without a red light and siren does not provide any exemption from the Vehicle Code. Officers shall
stop at all red lights and stop signs prior to entering any intersection.
Officers should only respond Code-3 when so dispatched or when circumstances reasonably
indicate an emergency response is required. Officers not authorized to respond Code-3 shall
observe all traffic laws and proceed without the use of emergency lights and siren.
309.3 REQUESTING EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Requests for emergency assistance should be limited to those situations where the involved
personnel reasonably believe that there is an immediate threat to the safety of officers, or
assistance is needed to prevent imminent serious harm to a citizen. In any event, where a situation
has stabilized and emergency response is not required, the requesting officer shall immediately
notify the Dispatch Center.
If circumstances permit, the requesting officer should give the following information:
• The unit number
• The location
• The reason for the request and type of emergency
• The number of units required
309.3.1 NUMBER OF UNITS ASSIGNED
Normally, only one unit should respond to an emergency call Code-3 unless the Watch
Commander or the field supervisor authorizes an additional unit(s).
309.4 INITIATING CODE 3 RESPONSE
If an officer believes a Code-3 response to any call is appropriate, the officer shall immediately
notify the Dispatch Center. Generally, only one unit should respond Code-3 to any situation.
Should another officer believe a Code-3 response is appropriate, the Dispatch Center shall be
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Published with permission by Delano Police Department