Policy Text
Communications Page 1 of 2 5/03.1 (REV6/19)
DISPATCHING HELICOPTERS
The purpose of this order is to provide general guidelines for dispatching Sheriff’s Office
helicopters. I. General
A. Sheriff’s Dispatchers may a ssign the helicopter to calls for service. When
dispatching an aircraft, the di spatcher should voice broadcast call
information to the flight crew . A dispatcher may assign a helic opter to the
following types of calls:
I. In-progress crimes
II. Vehicle or foot pursuits
III. Area searches
IV. Prowler calls
V. Missing persons
VI. Disturbances
VII. Surveillance
VIII. Aerial reconnaissance
IX. Any call where an ai rcraft could be beneficial
B. The Sheriff’s Dispatch stati on may also assign the helicopte r to assist
outside agencies. The flight crew may also, at their discretion , on-view an
assist with any regional agency if they determine a need for ai r support
exists. Dispatchers and flight cre ws are to determine the sever ity of the
call and prioritize where air s upport is most needed. Prioritiz ation is to
include:
I. Officer safety
II. Preservation of life
III. Safety of general public
IV. Theft/destruction of property
V. Investigative/administrative functions
VI. Public relations
C. Any outside agency requests beyond the Sacramento Region
(Incorporated cities within Sa cramento County, Roseville, Rockl in, and
Communications Page 2 of 2 5/03.1 (REV6/19) West Sacramento) require the on duty patrol Watch Commander’s
approval.
I. For calls beyond fifty (50) nautical miles from Mather Airfi eld,
the flight crew is to also obtain permission from the Air
Operations Sergeant.
II. Limitations
A. Safety of flight is paramoun t to the Air Operations Unit. Th e flight crew has
ultimate authority to which cal ls they respond. A flight crew m ay, at their
discretion, decline to respond to any call if they have articul able reasons.
These reasons can include, but are not limited to:
I. Weather
II. Fuel
III. Maintenance
IV. Terrain
V. Mission equipment function
VI. Communication/radio capabilities
VII. Time of day/night
VIII. Airspace Restrictions
IX. Fatigue
X. Aerial/unusual hazards
XI. Scope of mission