139 ALARMS

POLICY 139.0ALARMS REVISED: 11/2011 RELATED POLICIES: Reviewed by Chief David Magnusson 4/2019 A.PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the response to, safe handling, and documentation of alarms. B.RESPONDING 1.When responding to any alarm a minimum of two officers will be dispatched. Officers will respond as quickly as possible consistent with public safety and applicable traffic laws governing the operation of emergency vehicles. 2.When the two units are responding, the first unit dispatched shall advise via radio where he will be while waiting for the second unit to arrive in the area. This location shall be at least a block away from the address of the alarm. 3.The second unit responding shall notify the first unit via radio when he is equal distance away from the address of the alarm. 4.Upon arrival of the second unit, the two units will move in simultaneously, taking opposite corners when possible. C.AUDIBLE ALARMS 1.Units responding to audible alarms will advise the dispatcher when they are in close proximity to the alarm. 2.Upon arrival at the scene, the dispatcher shall place the channel on Emergency Traffic Only. 3.Once the first two units have arrived, additional responding units will continue to proceed to the location of the alarm and handle the incident as required. 4.If a perimeter is established, the dispatcher will be notified of the units and their locations on the perimeter. D.SILENT BURGLARY ALARMS 1.Units responding to silent burglary alarms will be assigned a specific position to be covered by the primary unit. Units should wait a short distance away and, if Page 1 of 4 possible, out of sight in a position to observe the premises until at least two units are ready to move in. 2.When sufficient units are in position, the dispatcher shall place the channel on Emergency Traffic Only. 3.The units will then be advised to "move in" at which time they will proceed to the location of the alarm and handle the incident appropriately. E.SILENT ROBBERY ALARMS (In Progress Robbery Alarms) 1.A minimum of two officers will be dispatched to all silent robbery alarms. If one unit is available, that unit will be dispatched immediately, and a patrol supervisor will be notified to determine an appropriate back up unit to be dispatched. 2.When an officer announces his presence in the immediate area, the County Dispatcher will place the channel on Emergency Traffic Only. 3.All units will take up different points of observation and when possible, visibility from the structure will be minimized. No attempt will be made to enter the structure unless necessary to prevent death or bodily injury to occupants of the structure. 4.The first unit will take a point of observation and advise Communications of this location. When all units are in position and advised the dispatcher of their location, Communications will place a telephone call to the business. Communications will direct the contact person to exit the structure, after obtaining a description of the contact person. This person will be directed to contact an officer on the perimeter. 5.The primary unit will direct this person to proceed to their location and ascertain the status of the alarm. Officers are advised not to leave their locations of safety until they are satisfied that the alarm is false or they need to do so. 6.If the alarm is an actual robbery in progress, Communications will attempt to obtain a description of the culprit(s) and will keep a line open to the victim. Any information received will be immediately relayed to the responding officers. a.All responding officers will remain outside until the suspects depart. b.When possible, arrests will be made outside. c.If a hostage situation develops, the exterior perimeter will be maintained. The supervisor and Chief of Police or his/her designee shall be notified. 7.If no contact is made with anyone inside, all officers will maintain their position and a supervisor will be contacted for further instructions. 202 - Page 2 of 4 8.Due to the circumstances of the call or status of the alarm, deviations from the above may be necessary. However, extreme care for officer and civilian safety will be the priority. F.SUPPORT UNITS 1.AIR UNIT An air unit, if available, may be requested to assist in alarm responses. 2.K-9 a.A K-9 Unit can be requested from another agency to respond to any alarm response. b.If culprits are believed to be still on or near the scene, the responding units should establish a sufficient perimeter to contain the suspects. Upon arrival, K-9 units will then approach the building and conduct the search. (1).The perimeter should have sufficient manpower to contain the suspect. (2).Perimeter units should have red and blue vehicle lights on so that suspects will be discouraged from breaking through the perimeter. Units shall be mindful that white headlights and spotlights can light up K-9 officers who may be in the perimeter. Do not allow this to occur. (3).If no point of entry is found, but a call-out arrives, he should brief the K-9 officer as to the layout of the premises. K-9 will then conduct the search. 3.PLAINCLOTHES PERSONNEL a.In some instances it may