Policy Text
Roll Call Training Bulletin
Produced by: Lt. Ryan Enkoji, North Command Katherine Lester , Chief of Police
Prepared by: Officer Mark Kimble, PSU Volume 25-2
Penal Code § 653x Investigations
7-30-2025
The Sacramento County District Attorney’s (DA) Office frequently does not file Sacramento Police
Department cases involving Penal Code § 653x (harassing 911 calls) due to the lack of detail
included in completed general offense reports. Typically, reports only list computer -aided dispatch
(CAD) calls related to the suspect without additional context explaining the nature of the calls or
actions taken.
To increase the likelihood of prosecution, the DA’s Office has requested more comprehensive
documentation. Officers need to document the suspect’s behavior, the resources utilized, and the
impact these calls have on public safety.
Documentation Requirements:
When responding to a harassing 911 call case, ensure the following information is included in your
report:
1. Call Context and Details:
o List of CAD Calls: Include all relevant CAD calls related to the suspect and provide context
for each. Describe the nature of each 911 call, the suspect’s actions, and how these calls fit
into a pattern of harassment.
o Notify the district supervisor if copies of 911 call audio files are needed for the case.
2. Actions Taken:
o Clearly document the specific actions taken during SPD’s response. This could include
dispatching officers, attempting to contact the suspect if not the caller, conducting an
investigation, or other actions.
3. Resources Used:
o Record the type and number of resources deployed, including officers, units, and
equipment (e.g., two officers in two cars, one helicopter with two officers).
4. Time Documentation:
o Document the amount time it took to handle each call, including the initial response and
any follow -up actions. Time tracking is critical for showing the disruption the suspect’s
behavior caused and the burden on first responders.
5. Call-Taker’s Statement:
o Obtain a brief statement from the call -taker who interacted with the suspect during the 911
call. This should include:
• Actions t aken by t he call -taker after the call was received .
• Their observations concerning the suspect’s demeanor, including any threats or
inappropriate language.
• Whether the call was disruptive or made it difficult for the call -taker to respond to other
emergencies.
Roll Call Training Bulletin
Produced by: Lt. Ryan Enkoji, North Command Katherine Lester , Chief of Police
Prepared by: Officer Mark Kimble , PSU Volume 25-2
6. Outcome of the Call:
o Document the outcome of each call including the following information:
• Whether the suspect was identified, an arrest was made, or any other action was taken
(e.g., warnings or citations).
• This provides context for the final resolution of the call and a basis for arrests on future
calls if an arrest is not made initially.
For a jury to convict a subject of Penal Code § 653x, the DA needs to show how the suspect’s
behavior impacted first responders and public safety. By providing detailed documentation, the DA
can explain the harm caused by the abuse and why this crime is a serious offense.
These guidelines will assist in creating a clear paper trail that links the suspect’s actions to the
criminal charge. If you have any questions, or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out
to Lieutenant Ryan Enkoji.
Penal Code § 653x
(a) A person who telephones or uses an electronic communication device to initiate communication
with the 911 emergency system with the intent to annoy or harass another person is guilty of a
misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand d ollars ($1,000), by imprisonment
in a county jail for not more than six months, or by both the fine and imprisonment. Nothing in this
section shall apply to telephone calls or communications using electronic devices made in good faith.
(b) An intent to annoy or harass is established by proof of repeated calls or communications over a
period of time, however short, that are unreasonable under the circumstances.
(c) Upon conviction of a violation of this section, a person also shall be liable for all reasonable costs
incurred by any unnecessary emergency response.