249-major-incident-notification

Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/30, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff Major Incident Notification - 1 Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff Custody Manual Major Incident Notification 249.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines for the timely and appropriate notification of major incidents that affect the safety or security of Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff staff or incarcerated persons. 249.2 POLICY It is the policy of the Sheriff's Office that major incidents involving staff or incarcerated persons be promptly reported to facilitate coordinated response efforts and ensure appropriate handling of media and public inquiries. Notifications are intended to inform key County officials, including the Sheriff, the Office of the County Counsel, the County Executive, and the Chief Operating Officer of major incidents to ensure timely coordination, legal oversight, and effective publi c communication. 249.3 NOTIFICATION CRITERIA In accordance with the County of Santa Clara Notification of Major or Sensitive Incidents (Incident Notification) Policy, the following types of incidents shall be reported promptly due to their serious nature, potential for liability, or likelihood of attracting public or media attention. Incidents that warrant immediate notification include, but are not limited to: • Serious injury or death of any Sheriff's Office staff member • Serious injury or death of any incarcerated person (Refer to the Reviewing and Reporting In -Custody Deaths Policy and the In -Custody Death or Serious Injury Notification to Families Policy for additional notification requirements) • Criminal conduct or arrest involving Sheriff's Office staff • Any incident with a significant likelihood of resulting in a claim or lawsuit against the County • Any incident with a significant likelihood of generating public or media attention Sheriff's Office staff shall use discretion to determine whether an incident qualifies as a major event requiring notification under this policy, in accordance with other applicable Sheriff's Office policies or County reporting requirements. 249.4 NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE Upon receiving notice of a major incident, the Watch Commander shall notify the Sheriff or the authorized designee, along with all appropriate investigative authorities. Notifications shall be made without delay and as soon as practicable. Policy 249 Docusign Envelope ID: DEBFF78C-3F1B-4706-BB25-DBDBB6CABBCA Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/30, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff Major Incident Notification - 2 Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff Custody Manual Major Incident Notification Prior to making notifications, the Watch Commander shall make reasonable efforts to gather as much information about the incident as possible. The Watch Commander shall also ensure the timely completion of all required written reports. Once notified, the Division Commander shall make any additional notifications as required by other Sheriff's Office policies or at the direction of the Sheriff or the authorized designee. The Division Commander shall comply with all applicable laws and ensure that appropriate investigative agencies have full access to all facts surrounding the incident. 249.4.1 NOTIFICATION OF THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY COUNSEL Upon receiving notice of a major incident, the Sheriff or the authorized designee shall immediately complete and submit an Incident Notification Form to the Office of the County Counsel, in accordance with County policy, to ensure prompt notification of key County officials, including the County Executive and Chief Operating Officer. 249.5 POLICY REVIEW This policy shall be reviewed at least once every two years. 249.6 POLICY TRACKING Date of Origin 04/28/2025 Review Date 07/30/2027 Revision Date Date Approved 07/30/2025 Effective Date 07/30/2025 Supersedes New Policy References County of Santa Clara Notification of Major or Sensitive Incidents (Incident Notification) Policy; Reviewing and Reporting In- Custody Deaths Policy; In- Custody Death or Serious Injury Notification to Families Policy; DOC Policy Manual 1.29 Rev. 01/05/2005 Regulatory Authority 15 CCR 1029 Signature of Issuing Authority Docusign Envelope ID: DEBFF78C-3F1B-4706-BB25-DBDBB6CABBCA