Policy Text
Policy
800San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/01/22, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentThe Communications Center - 1The Communications Center
800.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy establishes guidelines for the basic functions of the Communications Center. It
addresses the immediate information needs of the Department in the course of its normal daily
activities and during emergencies.
800.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the San Luis Obispo 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 the Communications Center
and department members in the field.
800.3 THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER SECURITY
The communications function is vital and central to all emergency service operations. The safety
and security of the Communications Center, its members and its equipment must be a high
priority. Special security procedures should be established in a separate operations manual for
the Communications Center.
Access to the Communications Center shall be limited to the Communications Center members,
the Watch Commander, command staff and department members with a specific business-related
purpose.
800.3.1 EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCHING
In utilizing Emergency Medical Dispatching protocols, employees shall follow all guidelines as set
forth in the Pre-Hospital Policy established by the Emergency Medical Services Agency of Name
of your jurisdiction: County.
In the event that the need arises to temporarily suspend use of the EMDPRS, all emergency
medical personnel shall be dispatched in accordance with the dispatch center's policies and the
following protocol shall be followed:
(a)It will be the responsibility of the on-duty EMD dispatcher to determine if the call load is
such that it would be unsafe to continue use of the EMDPRS and temporarily suspend
EMD protocol in the center.
(b)The circumstances and reason for suspending EMD will be submitted in writing to the
EMD Manager by the suspending dispatcher.
(c)The on-duty dispatcher will question callers and dispatch medical units in a manner
consistent with their basic dispatch training.
(d)The dispatcher will advise responders that EMD has been suspended.
(e)The on-duty Battalion Chief or responding engine may direct Dispatch to reduce the
response code if appropriate.
San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
The Communications Center
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/01/22, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentThe Communications Center - 2800.4 RESPONSIBILITIES
800.4.1 COMMUNICATIONS SUPERVISOR
The Chief of Police shall appoint and delegate certain responsibilities to a Communications
Supervisor. The Communications Supervisor is directly responsible to the Operations Division
Chief or the authorized designee.
The responsibilities of the Communications Supervisor include but are not limited to:
(a)Overseeing the efficient and effective operation of the Communications Center in
coordination with other supervisors.
(b)Scheduling and maintaining dispatcher time records.
(c)Supervising, training, and evaluating dispatchers.
(d)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.
(e)Processing requests for copies of the Communications Center information for release.
(f)Maintaining the Communications Center database systems.
(g)Maintaining and updating the Communications Center procedures manual, including:
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 their health and safety needs are met, as well
as steps that they may take to preserve evidence.
2.Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) instructions that include prearrival medical
instructions for 9-1-1 calls requiring medical assistance consistent with the
provisions of Health and Safety Code § 1797.161.
3.Ensuring dispatcher compliance with established policies and procedures.
(h)Handling internal and external inquiries regarding services provided and accepting
personnel complaints in accordance with the Personnel Complaints Policy.
(i)Maintaining a current contact list of City personnel to be notified in the event of a utility
service emergency.
800.4.2 ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES
The Communications Supervisor 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).
(d)Availability of current information for dispatchers (e.g., Watch Commander contact,
rosters, member tracking methods, member contact, maps, emergency providers,
tactical dispatch plans).
San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
The Communications Center
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/01/22, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentThe Communications Center - 3(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 the
Communications Center (e.g., security cameras, fences).
(i)Handling misdirected, silent, and hang-up calls.
(j)Handling private security alarms, if applicable.
(k)Radio interoperability issues.
800.4.3 DISPATCHERS
Dispatch