Policy Text
Policy
801Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/09/27, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentCommunications - 1Communications
801.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy establishes guidelines for the basic functions of Communications. It addresses the
immediate information needs of the Department in the course of its normal daily activities and
during emergencies.
801.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Garden Grove Police Department to provide 24-hour telephone service to the
public for information and for routine or emergency assistance. The Department provides two-way
radio capability providing continuous communication between Communications and department
members in the field. The Police Communications Division is part of the total police services team,
providing vital support functions while working toward the larger goals and objectives of the police
department.
801.3 COMMUNICATIONS SECURITY
The communications function is vital and central to all emergency service operations. The safety
and security of Communications, its members and its equipment must be a high priority. Special
security procedures should be established in a separate operations manual for Communications.
Access to Communications shall be limited to Communications members, management or
supervisory personnel, and those who receive authorization from the Watch Commander or
Communications Manager. This is necessitated by the fact that it is an emergency communications
center and its security is mandatory to maintain the effectiveness and overall mission fulfillment
of the unit and the department.
The Communications Manager, or in his or her absence, a Watch Commander, has the absolute
authority and responsibility to keep unauthorized personnel out of Communications.
801.4 RESPONSIBILITIES
801.4.1 COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
The Chief of Police shall appoint and delegate certain responsibilities to a Communications
Manager. The Communications Manager is directly responsible to the Community Policing
Bureau Commander or the authorized designee.
The responsibilities of the Communications Manager include, but are not limited to:
(a)Ensuring the radio and telephone recording system is operational.
1.Recordings shall be maintained in accordance with the established records
retention schedule and as required by law.
(b)Processing requests for copies of Communications information for release.
(c)Maintaining Communications database systems.
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Communications
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/09/27, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentCommunications - 2(d)Maintaining and updating Communications procedures manual.
1.Procedures for specific types of crime reports may be necessary. For example,
specific questions and instructions may be necessary when talking with a victim
of a sexual assault to ensure that his/her health and safety needs are met, as
well as steps that he/she may take to preserve evidence.
2.Ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures.
(e)Handling internal and external inquiries regarding services provided and accepting
personnel complaints in accordance with the Personnel Complaints Policy.
(f)Maintaining a current contact list of City personnel to be notified in the event of a utility
service emergency.
(g)Supervision and direction of Shift Supervisors and other full-time and part-time
personnel assigned to Communications.
(h)Recruitment and selection of new Dispatchers and Community Service Officers.
(i)Implementation of disciplinary process, including initial investigation and
recommendations related to all formal discipline involving personnel assigned to
Communications.
(j)Researching and instituting necessary written work, including memos, new
procedures, staff studies, training bulletins, evaluations, etc., regarding the
Communications function and assigned personnel.
(k)Maintaining personnel file folders of members assigned to the Communications Unit.
(l)Maintaining software and hardware maintenance contracts for systems within the
Communications Center.
(m)Issuing portable pack sets and related equipment to officers. Maintaining inventory of
radio equipment.
(n)Scheduling personnel for necessary training as outlined by POST's Continued
Professional Training standards.
(o)Managing the Alarms Unit.
(p)Completing yearly evaluations on Communications Shift Supervisors and the Alarm
Coordinator.
A comprehensive list of responsibilities can be found in the Communications Manual.
801.4.2 ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES
The Communications Manager should establish procedures for:
(a)Recording all telephone and radio communications and playback issues.
(b)Storage and retention of recordings.
(c)Security of audio recordings (e.g., passwords, limited access, authorized reviewers,
preservation of recordings past normal retention standards).
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Communications
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/09/27, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentCommunications - 3(d)Availability of current information for dispatchers (e.g., rosters, member tracking
methods, member contact, maps, emergency providers, tactical dispatch plans).
(e)Assignment of field members and safety check intervals.
(f)Procurement of external services (e.g., fire suppression, ambulances, aircraft, tow
trucks, taxis).
(g)Protection of essential equipment (e.g., surge protectors, gaseous fire suppression
systems, uninterruptible power systems, generators).
(h)Protection of radio transmission lines, antennas and power sources for
Communications (e.g., security cameras, fences).
(i)Handling misdirected, silent and hang-up calls.
(j)Handling private security alarms, if applicable.
(k)Radio interoperability issues.
801.4.3 COMMUNICATION SHIFT SUPERVISOR
The Communications Shift Supervisor performs his/her duties and responsibilities under the
direction and supervision of the Communications Manager. The Communications Shift Supervisor
duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a)Overseeing the efficient and effective operation of Communications in coordination
with other supervisors.
(b)Scheduling and maintaining dispatcher