Policy Text
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDERS
GO 510.12
Page 1 of 2
510.12
POINT -TO-POINT MESSAGES
04-03-17
PURPOSE
The purpose of this order is to establish procedures for the correct use of Point -to-Point messages,
including “T O” and “EMER” commands.
POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Sacramento Police Department to comply with all existing laws and
regulations regarding the use of computer systems when using the Point -to-Point message capability
of the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, Mobile Data Computer (MDC) systems , and the
Records Management System (RMS).
PROCEDURE
A. GENERAL
1. The Point -to-Point capability may be used to send a message from one computer to any other
computer or group of terminals within the computer system.
2. Personnel shall not commit any negligent, malicious, or criminal act in the use of their
computer.
3. The “OV” function of the MDC or voice communication shall be used for self -initiated
incidents.
4. The appropriate CAD commands and/or status buttons shall be used in lieu of the Point -to-
Point message.
B. POINT -TO-POINT MESSAGES
1. Point -to-Point Messages may become part of official court records when included in a
computer search of specific times needed for court cases. NOTE: All transmissions from
MDCs are monitored and must c onform to the guidelines set by the Federal Communications
Commission to regulate radio traffic and licensing.
2. Point -to-Point Messages shall only be used for work -related communications.
3. Point-to-Point Messages shall not
a. Contain profanity, abbreviated profanity, slang , or comments that are sexual, racial,
degrading , or critical of any person , whether citizen or department personnel.
b. Be used to initiate calls for service, make location changes, make status changes , or
supplement calls.
4. Employees who orig inate or engage in inappropriate messages may be subjected to disciplinary
action.
C. AUDITS
1. Point -to-Point messages should be audited on a quarterly basis or at the request of the Division
Captain.
2. Watch Commanders and civilian supervi sors conducting the a udit shall
a. Request computer runs from Public Safety IT (PSIT) personnel specifying the dates and
times to be audited.
b. Review all point -to-point messages that are being audited.
c. Forward questionable point -to-point messages to the District Captain .
d. Impleme nt the appropriate corrective or disciplinary action.
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDERS
GO 510.12
Page 2 of 2
3. District Captains shall
a. Review messages forwarded from the Watch Commander or civilian supervisor and
determine if further action needs to be taken.
b. Forward the final audit results to the Profession al Standards Unit for documentation.