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30.2 RADIO USE Page 1 of 2 EDGEWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER # 30.2 RADIO USE Effective Date: March 15, 2011 The purpose of this General Order is to establish procedures governing the use of agency radios. This order consists of the following numbered sections. I. Scope II. Radio Procedure III. Patrol Procedure I. SCOPE A. Standardized radio communications are essential to the efficient operation of the police department. Every sworn officer must have access to radio communications when on du ty or while working enforcement related off -duty employment. No officer shall perform law enforcement tasks on duty without immediate access to a radio. B. The agency shall maintain 24 hour two -way radio capability providing continuous communic ation between the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center and sworn officers. II. RADIO PROCEDURE A. All radio transmissions will be in courteous and clear speech. B. Officers will utilize their assigned radio number. C. The use of prof anity or vulgar expressions on the radio is prohibited. D. Broadcasts should be kept as brief as possible. E. Officers shall at all times exhibit professionalism on the radio. F. Officers on patrol duty will maintain continuous access to radio communica tions. 1. The portable radio will be carried by the officer. 2. The use of the shoulder microphone is encouraged. G. Officers working enforcement related off -duty employment shall carry their portable radio and monitor radio communications. H. Officers are responsible for ensuring that their radio is operable at all times. I. The portable radio battery will be charg ed and ready at the beginning of each shift. J. The proper use of the radio is the responsibility of each officer. K. Officers shall not use the radio for non -police related matters. 30.2 RADIO USE Page 2 of 2 L. All Orange County Sheriff’s Office radio procedures shall be uti lized by agency personnel. M. A copy of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office radio policy/s will be available on the agency computer system. N. In the event of a radio failure the officer will notify his/her supervisor and communications as soon as practicable utilizing either the cell phone or in person. O. All necessary radio reprogramming will be accomplished only at the approved location/s. No officer shall change or reprogram their individual radio. P. Custom radio earpieces may be u tilized by officers. Q. Officers shall immediately report any loss of, or damage to their assigned radio to their immediate supervisor. III. PATROL PROCEDURES A. As a matter of routine procedure on -duty personnel will promptly transmit the follow ing information: 1. An acknowledgement upon being called 2. Arrival and departure from assigned calls for service 3. Any change in status or circumstances of an assigned call for service 4. The officer’s location and status while away from the assi gned vehicle for an extended (more than 10 minutes) amount of time. 5. The location and circumstance of self -initiated activity 6. Any circumstance requiring the officer to leave the city B. Traffic stops should be given in the following order: 1. An alert to the dispatcher that a traffic stop is being initiated 2. Traffic stop location 3. Vehicle tag number 4. Vehicle description 5. Number of passengers in the vehicle 6. Any other information deemed necessary by the officer C. Office rs should indicate their current status as soon as possible after initiating a traffic stop. D. Officers should indicate their status when going in or out of service for: 1. Official proceedings when radios must be turned off 2. Activities at locations where radio transmission may be prohibited 3. Change of assignment