Standard 7.2

Standard statement

The agency shall have a written directive establishing procedures for communications to and from field officers, to include:

Each bullet must stand alone when establishing compliance, with proofs identified for every lettered requirement.

a.specification of the circumstances requiring communications by field officers;
b.the recording of the status of officers to include time call received, time dispatched, time arrived, time cleared, and disposition of call;
c.the methods used for identifying officers during communications;
d.communication with interacting agencies;
e.criteria for the assignment of the number of officers in response to an incident; and
f.circumstances that require the presence of a patrol supervisor at the scene for the purpose of assuming command.

Discussion

Identification systems should be based on beat numbers or other assignment numbers, officer identification numbers, or a combination of the two. Operations are more efficient and officer safety is enhanced when dispatchers, supervisors and fellow officers know the status of officers, their locations, the nature of cases and the developments in their investigation. The administrative control “system” can be maintained on a card, log sheet, computer record, or any instrument that permits a permanent record to be retained. The response criteria should relate to a list of critical factors, e.g., officer needs assistance, felony in progress, life saving situation, etc. The list should be available to all dispatchers.

The discussion clarifies intent and is not a binding part of the standard. For assessment purposes you are required to comply only with the standard statement.