Policy Text
Oakland Police Department
Communications Section
Communications Section Policy and Procedure M-01 Date: 26 Nov 12
Index as: Communications Section Security Measures
Security Measures, Communications Section
DAKLAND
The purpose of this order is to set forth policy and procedures for ensuring the security of the
Communications Section.
I.
GENERAL INFORMATION
A. The Police Department Communications Section is the 9-1-1 public safety answering
point [PSAP] for the City of Oakland and the central control point for receipt and
dispatch of Police Department calls for service.
B.
C.
Disruption of the Communications Section can significantly impair police operations
and the delivery of emergency services to the citizens of Oakland.
The following people are among many who may be motivated to compromise the
Police Department's communications and could be a potential threat to the security
of the Communications Section: [1] criminals; [2] terrorists; [3] disgruntled
employees or former employees; [4] persons involved in organized crime; [5]
mentally deranged individuals.
II.
GENERAL POLICY AND PROCEDURES
A.
B.
C.
D.
All members and employees shall be alert to the security of the Communications
Section at all times.
Suspicious persons and activities in the vicinity of the Section shall be reported to a
supervisor as soon as possible.
The door[s] to the Communications Section shall not be left open, insecure or
unlocked except with supervisory approval and then for only as long as necessary to
accomplish a specific purpose such as moving equipment or supplies.
Only Supervisors shall activate the electric door lock to permit someone to enter.
Supervisors shall visually [via TV monitor] and/or audibly [door phone] identify the
party and are assured as to their identity/purpose.
Page 1 of 2
III.
A.
B.
E.
Employees allowing non-routine visitors [City officials, Chief of Police, Deputy
Chiefs, Command officers, dignitaries, etc.] to enter shall immediately notify an on-
duty supervisor of the visitor.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
The on duty Watch Sergeant shall be armed at all times.
The Watch Sergeant shall investigate reports of suspicious persons or activities in the
vicinity of the Communications Section. In the event a Sergeant of Police is not on
duty and there is doubt whether a particular person wishing entrance poses a threat,
the on-duty Police Communications Supervisor (PCS) shall notify the BFO Watch
Commander and dispatch a field unit to investigate prior to granting entry.
By order of
Carlos Gonzalez
Lieutenant of Police
Communications Section
Page 2 of 2