Policy Text
Policy
326Fremont Police Department
Public Alerts
326.1 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.
326.2 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.
326.3 RESPONSIBILITIES
326.3.1 MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
Members of the Fremont Police Department should notify their supervisor, Watch Commander, or
Investigative Bureau Supervisor 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.
326.3.2 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
A supervisor apprised of the need for a public alert is responsible to make the appropriate
notifications based upon the circumstances of each situation. The supervisor shall promptly
notify the Chief of Police, the Deputy Chief, the appropriate Division Commander, and the Press
Information Officer when any public alert is generated.
The supervisor in charge of the investigation to which the alert relates is responsible for the
following:
(a)Updating alerts
(b)Canceling alerts
(c)Ensuring all appropriate reports are completed
(d)Preparing an after-action evaluation of the investigation to be forwarded to the Division
Commander
326.4 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.
326.4.1 CRITERIA FOR AMBER ALERT
The following conditions must be met before activating an AMBER Alert (Government Code §
8594(a)):
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(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.
326.4.2 WATCH COMMANDER OPTIONS
(a)The Watch Commander will consider the scope of the activation, local vs. statewide.
The Watch Commander may also elect to employ all or portions of the networks
components including:
1.Technology to Recover Abducted Kids (TRAK): Photo imaging system linking
state, county, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as major media
outlets and airports.
2.Changeable Message Signs (CMS): Electronic changeable message signs
disseminate information to the public as they utilize the highway transportation
system. Activation through the California Highway Patrol Emergency Notification
and Tactical Alert Center (ENTAC) 24-hour number. ENTAC will facilitate
the activation of various alert systems, including CMS, statewide EAS/EDIS
messages, and the TRAK system.
(b)In the event of local activation, Alameda County law enforcement agencies activating
the local plan will contact the Alameda County Sheriff's Department.
1.Agencies will ask to speak with the Dispatch Supervisor and will request an EAS
broadcast to the nine Bay Area Counties.
2.The Dispatch Supervisor will provide the requesting agency with a fax number
and/or electronic mail address, and the requesting agency will fax, or send
via electronic mail, to the Sheriff's Department Dispatch the exact text of the
message to be broadcast via EAS.
3.The EAS message is for public release. DO NOT include information that is not
for public release. (See Appendix 334)
4.The Watch Commander or designee is responsible for media relations until the
Press Information Officer (PIO) arrives.
5.The Watch Commander or PIO will coordinate with the Communications
Supervisor or Senior Police Dispatcher after hours to send an EAS or EDIS
broadcast message.
6.The Communications Unit will be responsible for entries into the Stolen Vehicle
System (SVS).
7.During non-business hours, the Communications Unit will be responsible for
entering the missing person into the Missing and Unidentified Person System
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(MUPS) and sending administrative messages to law enforcement agencies
through CLETS.
(c)In compliance with the protocol outlined in the Missing Person Reporting Policy Manual
§ 332, the Watch Commander will notify the on-call detective and the Crimes Against
Persons Sergeant and make the appropriate staff notifications.
(d)If a statewide activation is initiated, the procedures outlined in this policy should be
followed to assure compliance with State procedures.
(e)The Watch Commander will determine when a public alert should be terminated. The
Watch Commander or designee will notify the Communications Unit and all agencies
contacted with cancellation information.
326.4.3 PROCEDURE FOR AMBER ALERT
The supervisor in charge will ensure the following:
(a)An initial press release 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